Neurológia pre prax 2/2016

Lumbar spinal stenosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive impairment of upper and lower motor neurons. The typical sign of ALS is focal onset. The differential diagnosis of ALS, especially in the early stage of the disease when clinical and electrophysiological abnormalities are not fully developed, is wide. We present a case report that describes mistaking diagnosis of ALS in early stage for lumbar spinal stenosis that resulted in not indicated surgery. This case report emphasises the necessity of careful evaluation of degenerative impairment of spine as the main cause of neurological problems.

Keywords: lumbar spinal stenosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, differential diagnosis.