[Guest]

Hello folks:
Because of the onset of mild dysarthria I recently underwent a series of tests (including second opinion). I had EMG, CT, MRI
I was told that there is "something going on" and that it is either "this" or "that".
"This" is brainstem or cerebellum lesion and is being discounted based on MRI
So that leaves "that" which is upper motor neuron disease (I presume this is also ALS). However, because only my speech is affected (even though the EMG provided indications that something is amiss) the docs will/can not give a diagnosis. Apparently they need for me to lose strength in at least 2 limbs in order to make the diagnosis.
In the meantime they say go home and wait.
My questions are: how likely is it that my condition is really attributable to ALS? What else might it be? And if it IS ALS, based on what point do I estimate my remaining health/life? Based on my earliest observations of speech? Based on official diagnosis when it arrives?
I know my docs would tell me if they could. I'd appreciate your observations.

Thank you.

(BTW, I am a 55 year old Caucasian male, in great health, vigorous, college professor, active mind).

[Guest]

I can imagine that it is a difficult time without a clear diagnosis. The findings on the EMG would be helpful to know, given your doctors have only told you that something is not right. Dysarthria can be caused by very small deep subcortical or brainstem lesions that can be missed even on MRI. Following up your EMG studies in the near future would be helpful, as well as ruling out disorders such as Myasthenia Gravis which can be associated with dysarthria. You might also consider a second opinion. Good luck.
[quote] Hello folks:
Because of the onset of mild dysarthria I recently underwent a series of tests (including second opinion). I had EMG, CT, MRI... [/quote]