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A PT consult is ordered for a 50-year-old gentleman in the late stages of ALS. In the patient's chart is an electromyography report and nerve conduction velocity test. All of the following findings are consistent with his diagnosis EXCEPT:

A. Decreased amplitude of motor unit action potential
B. Decreased duration of motor unit action potential
C. Decreased sensory evoked potential
D. Decreased polyphasic action potential

User Tsohtan
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The finding 'Decreased sensory evoked potential' is not consistent with an ALS diagnosis, as ALS typically affects motor neurons and spares sensory pathways, unlike what the incorrect choice suggests.

Step-by-step explanation:

All of the electromyography and nerve conduction velocity test findings provided, except one, are consistent with the diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. ALS primarily degenerates motor neurons that control voluntary muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness, reduced motor unit action potential amplitude, and increased presence of polyphasic action potentials. Sensory neurons and the resultant sensory evoked potentials are generally not affected by ALS, thus making Decreased sensory evoked potential the incorrect choice and not consistent with the ALS diagnosis. In this case, findings such as decreased amplitude of motor unit action potential, decreased duration of motor unit action potential, and decreased polyphasic action potentials are indicative of the degeneration associated with the disease, reflecting the impairment of lower motor neurons and their ability to send signals to muscles.

User Santo Shakil
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