DIAGNOSTIC EXAMINATIONS: LABORATORY EVALUATION

Laboratory Evaluation	Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Electromyography	Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Lumbar Puncture	Motor Unit Number Estimate
Magnetic Resonance Imaging	Muscle and Nerve Biopsy
Quantitative Muscle Testing

Laboratory Evaluation

Laboratory Evaluation is highly important within the diagnostic evaluation for ALS. Since there is no blood test that confirms ALS, the diagnosis of ALS is made after illnesses that may mimic ALS are all excluded. Underlying metabolic, endocrine, and immunological abnormalities may present symptoms that are similar to ALS. Therefore, many blood tests may be ordered.