How To There is a disease called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Lou Gehrig's Disease is a neurological disease that causes muscle weakness and negatively affects physical function.It is caused by the breakdown of motor neurons in the brain.A combination of tests against common symptoms can help narrow down a diagnosis of the disease.To work with a doctor to discuss any symptoms and testing, it is important to be aware of your family history and genetic predisposition for the disease.
Step 1: Do you know your family history?
If you have a family history of the disease, you should discuss it with a doctor.A family member with the disease is the only known risk factor.
Step 2: You can see a genetic counselor.
People with a family history of the disease might want to talk to a genetic counselor.Ten percent of people with the disease have a genetic problem.
Step 3: If you see typical symptoms, check them out.
You should contact your doctor if you have symptoms of the disease.Difficulty swallowing, difficulty walking or performing daily activities, lack of voluntary muscle control needed for tasks like eating, are some of the more advanced symptoms ofALS.
Step 4: Speak to a doctor.
If you have a family history of the disease, talk to a doctor about getting an evaluation for it.A variety of different evaluations are required for testing.There are no single tests that can determine if you have the disease.Observation of some symptoms and a test to rule out other diseases are part of a diagnosis.
Step 5: Get your blood tested.
When there is damage to the muscles from the disease, physicians will often look for the Cetine Kinase in the blood.Blood tests can be used to check for genetic susceptibility to diseases.
Step 6: A muscle biopsy is needed.
If other muscular disorders are present, a muscle biopsies can be performed.The doctor uses a needle or small incision to remove a small amount of muscle tissue for the test.A hospital stay is not usually required for the test.For a few days, the muscle may be sore.
Step 7: Get an image of your body.
Magnetic resonance imagery of the brain can help to identify other neurological conditions that have the same symptoms as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.The test uses magnets to create a picture.The machine creates an image of your body while you lay still for a period of time.
Step 8: Get a test for the fluid in the brain.
To identify other possible conditions, physicians can take a small amount of CSF from the spine.It is possible to identify neurological conditions by the flow of CSF through the brain and spine.The patient is usually lying on her side.The doctor numbs the lower spine area.A sample of spinal fluid is collected after a needle is inserted into the lower spine.Minor pain can be included.
Step 9: Get an x-ray.
It is possible to measure electrical signals in your muscles.Doctors can see if the muscle nerves are working normally.A small instrument is inserted into a muscle to record its electrical activity.The test can cause a feeling like a twinge or spasm.
Step 10: You can get a nerve condition study.
Nerve condition studies can be used to measure the electrical signals in your muscles and nerves.The test uses small wires on the skin to measure electrical signals.There may be a small amount of pain from the needle.
Step 11: Get tested for respiratory problems.
A repository test can be used to find out if your condition is hurting the breathing muscles.Different ways to measure breathing are used in these tests.Breathing into different testing devices is what they do.
Step 12: You can get a second opinion.
You can get a second opinion after speaking to your regular doctor.There are other diseases that have the same set of symptoms that can be treated with an opinion from a second doctor.
Step 13: Tell your doctor that you want a second opinion.
Even if you don't want to bring this up with your doctor, he or she will be supportive because this is a complicated and serious condition.A second person to see is recommended by your doctor.
Step 14: You can choose an expert.
If you're getting a second opinion on a diagnosis, talk to an expert.It's important to talk to someone with specific experience because some doctors who specialize in neurological conditions don't often diagnose and treat patients with the disease.Between 10% and 15% of patients with the disease actually have a different condition.Even though they have the same symptoms, as many as 40% of people with the disease are first diagnosed with a different disease.
Before you get a second opinion, you may want to check with your health insurance company to see if they cover the cost.Second opinion doctor visits are not covered by some health insurance policies.The cost of a second opinion is covered by some policies.