ALS: Clinical Manifestations

Question 1

ALS: Clinical manifestations

Answer 1

1. The voice assumes a nasal sound, and articulation becomes so disrupted that the speech is unintelligible
2. Some emotional lability may be present, but intellectual function is not impaired
3. Weakness of the posterior tongue and palate impairs the ability to laugh, cough, or even blow the nose
4. Brisk and overactive deep tendon stretch reflexes
5. Difficulty talking, swallowing, and ultimately breathing
6. Fatigue
7. Progressive weakness and atrophy of the muscles of the arms, trunk, or legs; cramps
8. Muscle
   
   • Fasciculations (twitching)
   • Incoordination
   • Spasticity