Primary Lateral Sclerosis Questions & Answers

Updated: Sep 06, 2019
  • Author: Carmel Armon, MD, MSc, MHS; Chief Editor: Nicholas Lorenzo, MD, CPE, MHCM, FAAPL  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

How are motor neurons classified?

How are motor neuron diseases (MNDs) classified?

How is primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) differentiated from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?

What are the possible complications of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

Which daily activities may be affected by primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What causes primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What is the prevalence of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) in the US?

What are the sexual predilections of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

Which age groups have the highest prevalence of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What is the prognosis of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

How does primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) affect mortality?

What is included in patient education about primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

Where are patient resources about primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) found?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

Which physical findings are characteristic of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

DDX

What are the diagnostic criteria for primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

Which conditions are included in the differential diagnoses of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What are the differential diagnoses for Primary Lateral Sclerosis?

Workup

How is primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) diagnosed?

What is the role of lab testing in the workup of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What is the role of needle EMG in the workup of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What is the role of repeat electrodiagnostic testing in the workup of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What is the role of motor evoked potentials in the workup of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What is the role of lumbar puncture in the workup of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What is the role of genetic testing in the workup of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

Treatment

How is primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) treated?

How is spasticity treated in patients with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What is the role of physical therapy in the treatment of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What is the role of assistive devices and ventilatory support in the treatment of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What types of multidisciplinary clinics can best deliver treatment for primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

Which dietary modifications are used in the treatment of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

Which activity modifications are used in the treatment of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

What is included in the long-term monitoring of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)?

Which medications in the drug class Benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of Primary Lateral Sclerosis?

Which medications in the drug class Alpha2 Adrenergic Agonists are used in the treatment of Primary Lateral Sclerosis?

Which medications in the drug class Skeletal muscle relaxants are used in the treatment of Primary Lateral Sclerosis?