Diagnosis and classification of motor neuron disease / 中华神经科杂志

ABSTRACT

This presentation introduced the diagnostic approach, common diagnostic criteria and classification of motor neuron disease (MND). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common type in MND. Involvement of upper and lower motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord is the most important signs for the diagnosis of MND/ALS, and electromyography is an important examination to determine subclinical lower motor neuron involvement. There are three internationally recognized diagnostic criteria, the El Escorial criteria, the Airlie House criteria (revised El Escorial criteria) and the Awaji-shima electrodiagnostic criteria. There are several methods for classification for MND. MND can be classified as familial and sporadic MND based on the cause of disease, or can be classified as limb-onset ALS, bulbar-onset ALS, progressive muscular atrophy, primary lateral sclerosis, flail arm syndrome, flail leg syndrome and other types by the site of onset and clinical features.