Lou Gehrig's Disease

Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS)

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

To determine if you have ALS, your doctor will perform an evaluation that includes a physical exam, medical history and lab tests such as blood and urine tests. Electromyography (EMG) may also be used. This test is very sensitive in detecting lower motor neuron disease. There are no standard laboratory tests for upper motor neuron disease. But certain signs may be interpreted by your doctor as signs of ALS such as spasticity, a specific type of stiffness; abnormally brisk tendon reflexes; Babinski's sign, an unusual flexing of the toes during examination; and diminished fine motor coordination.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007