Is There a Test for ALS?

Since ALS can significantly influence a person's health, it is critical to make an accurate and early diagnosis. This is why we often wonder, whether there is a particular test for ALS?

ALS Test: The Short Answer

There is no single test that can identify ALS with certainty. That is why, a number of diagnostic tests are performed to rule out other diseases, and carefully track the development of symptoms in order to make the diagnosis.

How is ALS Diagnosed?

1. Clinical Evaluation: A thorough medical history and neurological examination are the first steps in the diagnosis process. Physicians search for indications of twitching, muscle atrophy, weakness, and changes in reflexes. They will evaluate the symptoms present to find out if they indicate ALS. 
2. Electromyography (EMG): This examination measures the electrical activity of muscles. Even muscles that do not appear to be affected by ALS can show abnormalities in their EMG.
3. Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): NCS determines the strength and speed of signals that are sent from muscles to nerves. Although they are not specific to ALS, these abnormalities can help to confirm a diagnosis.
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Although an MRI cannot identify ALS specifically, it can rule out other illnesses like herniated discs or spinal cord tumors that may resemble the symptoms of ALS.
5. Blood and Urine Tests: These are carried out in order to rule out additional reasons for symptoms of wasting and muscle weakness, for example.
6. Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): This procedure can be used to rule out conditions that affect the nervous system, such as infections.
7. Muscle Biopsy: Although less frequent, a muscle biopsy can be carried out to rule out muscle disorders that could resemble the symptoms of ALS if the diagnosis is still unclear.

Difficulties with Diagnosis

Diagnosing ALS can be challenging because there isn't a particular test for the illness. In certain situations, a definitive diagnosis may not be made for several months or even years while medical professionals wait for the distinctive ALS-related symptom progression. This delay in diagnosis can be stressful. 

Upcoming Diagnosis

The search for ALS biomarkers that could result in a conclusive test is still being researched. Biomarkers are elements found in the body that can be measured to show whether a disease is present. Finding a biomarker for ALS would be a huge advance since it would speed up diagnosis and help with treatment development and efficacy monitoring.

ALS is for now still diagnosed by long symptom observation and ruling out other illnesses. Although there is currently no simple test for ALS, developments in medical science give hope that a more accurate diagnosis method may one day be developed.  

Credits:
How is ALS Diagnosed?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Biomarkers