Misdiagnosis in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can mimic those of compressive neuropathies, such as carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes, especially early in a patient ’s clinical course. We surveyed members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and found that 11% of active and retired members have performed nerve decompression surgeries on patients later diagnosed with ALS. Hand surgeons are commonly the first providers to evaluate patients with undia gnosed ALS. As such, it is important to be aware of the history, signs, and symptoms of ALS to provide an accurate diagnosis and prevent unnecessary morbidities, such as nerve decompression surgery, which invariably results in poor outcomes.
Source: The Journal of Hand Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: The Hand Surgery Landscape Source Type: research