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electrodiagnostic tests
studies of the muscles and motor neurons to help evaluate and diagnose disorders.
- Electromyography EMG
Both use electrodes to see the activity and muscle response
electroencephalogram (EEG)
recording of the brain's electical acitivity. Electrodes are attached to the scalp to record the response
extrapyramidal system (EPS)
The EPS helps regulate relex movements such as balance and walking
electromyography (EMG)
Neurologists use this test to help diagnose patients with muscle weakness. It typically helps with the diagnosis of ALS and also used to track the muscle function through the progression of the disease
electrical impedance myography (EIM)
Diagnostic tool used for muscle evaluation. It detects abnormalities in the muscle fibers and membranes which explain the muscle's health
estate planning
a legal plan for others to manage assets if a person passes or becomes incapable. This includes writing wills, naming beneficiaries, creating trusts, as well as funeral and end of life arrangements
F
genetically inherited ALS. Less than 10% of people diagnosed with ALS have it inherited, but researchers are finding more genes linked to ALS
fasciculations
muscle twitching, contracting, moving and rolling beneath the skin
festination
shuffling quickly with small steps to help keep your balance
flaccid muscles
a condition characterized by a decrease or loss of normal muscle tone due to the deterioration of the lower motor nerve cells.
flexor muscle
any muscle that causes the bending of a limb or other body part
frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
nerve cell damaage which changes the brain chemistry and changes how a person may act, their personality, or their language. While rare, some people with ALS also have FTD as well.
forced vital capacity (FVC)
a measurement of how much air a person can expel as fast as possible
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
a federal law guaranteeing covered workers up to 12 weeks unpaid leave
G
glutamate
Glutamate is an amino acid which plays an essential role in human metabolism. High levels of glutamate are implicated in ALS
glutamate- included excitoxicity
High levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate can trigger the death of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Called glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, this process has been implicated in a number of ALS diagnosis.