Motor Neuron Disorders

Disorders of motor neurons include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), spinobulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA, or Kennedy’s disease), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), poliomyelitis, and monomelic amyotrophy (Hirayama disease). Although the pathology, genetics, and clinical features of ALS are well-established, neither a unifying etiology nor a highly effective treatment have been identified. Because of this, as well as its inexorable progression and numerous clinical manifestations, the management of ALS currently requires multidisciplinary care. People living with ALS, PLS and SBMA have overlapping needs and are commonly cared for in the same multidisciplinary setting. The differential diagnosis of ALS, including conditions that can mimic ALS, are discussed as well.