When do you consider CSF testing for patients with suspected ALS?
If so, what tests are you sending?
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In patients fulfilling diagnostic criteria for ALS, how many are you sending for CSF testing to evaluate for other possible diagnoses?
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2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Neurology · University of Minnesota
Answered on
I have been evaluating and treating ALS (and other motor neuron disease) patients in a tertiary setting for >13 years. CSF testing in my opinion rarely changes the diagnosis, and in typical scenarios with patients showing progressive bulbar onset or limb onset muscle weakness, with combined clinical...
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Mednet Member
Neurology · UNC School of Medicine
Answered on
CSF biomarkers (i.e., neurofilament) are being researched and developed. We expect more biomarkers to come to clinical practice over the next few years.
The utility of CSF analysis in ALS rests on excluding mimickers of ALS (i.e., elevated protein in inflammatory motor neuropathies, etc.).
Neurofila...
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