Neurological Examination and EMG/NCS Findings in Motor Neuron Disease
Key Neurological Examination Findings to Evaluate
- The American College of Radiology recommends evaluating lip closure and evidence of saliva pooling in patients with suspected motor neuron disease, with particular attention to bulbar involvement given the patient's dysphagia and coughing with liquids 1, 2
- The American College of Radiology suggests assessing tongue strength, mobility, and tone, looking for atrophy and fasciculations, in patients with suspected motor neuron disease 1, 2
- The American College of Radiology recommends examining chewing capacity and jaw strength in patients with suspected motor neuron disease 1, 2
- The American College of Radiology suggests testing palatal movement in response to tactile stimulation in patients with suspected motor neuron disease 1, 2
- The American College of Radiology recommends evaluating the quality and strength of cough in patients with suspected motor neuron disease 1, 2
- The American College of Radiology suggests assessing phonation and speech function, including dysarthria, in patients with suspected motor neuron disease 1, 2
- The American Academy of Neurology recommends testing for hyperreflexia in all limbs in patients with suspected motor neuron disease 3
- Regular assessment of swallowing function is recommended every 3 months in patients with ALS, according to the American College of Nutrition 1, 5
- The American College of Nutrition recommends assessing for shortness of breath, orthopnea, or paradoxical breathing in patients with motor neuron disease 4
- The American College of Nutrition suggests evaluating respiratory muscle strength, including forced vital capacity if available, in patients with motor neuron disease 4
- The American College of Nutrition recommends looking for use of accessory respiratory muscles in patients with motor neuron disease 4