Other Motor Neuron Diseases
There are other motor neuron diseases that exhibit symptoms similar to ALS, making accurate diagnosis crucial for effective treatment. These conditions include primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), progressive bulbar palsy (PBP), and progressive muscular atrophy (PMA).
Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)
Primary Lateral Sclerosis is a motor neuron disease, which impacts the nerve cells in the brain responsible for controlling movement (motor neurons). In PLS, the deterioration of these nerve cells leads to muscle weakness, affecting the legs, arms, and tongue.
PLS affects the upper motor neurons and causes the nerve cells in the brain that control movement to slow down and stop working. The nerves are then unable to activate the motor neurons in the spine that control voluntary muscles for movement. Early symptoms can include difficulty balancing, and as it progresses, symptoms can include issues with hand and arm movements, the ability to chew, swallow, and speak.
Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP)
Progressive Bulbar Palsy is a motor neuron disease that affects the lower motor neurons in the brainstem. This affects the nerves that control speech, swallowing, chewing, limbs, and facial muscles.
Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA)
Progressive Muscular Atrophy is a motor neuron disease that affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord. The symptoms of this disease are muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, and loss of voluntary muscle control.
Consultation with a qualified physician is always important when confirming a diagnosis. Please see your doctor for more information, or to find an ALS clinic near you, please go here.