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Published on: October 13, 2016
Sensory Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Miguel A Rubio1,2, Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa2, Xavier Navarro2
1Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital del Mar, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) involves more than motor neurons, with sensory and autonomic system dysfunction being increasingly recognized. This review details these non-motor aspects across multiple scientific perspectives.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is primarily known as a motor neuron disease.
- Emerging evidence highlights significant non-motor symptoms, including sensory and autonomic system involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of sensory and autonomic system involvement in ALS.
- To consolidate findings from clinical, neurophysiological, neuroimaging, neuropathological, functional, and molecular studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on non-motor manifestations in ALS.
- Synthesis of data from diverse research methodologies.
Main Results:
- Sensory symptoms, though often clinically overshadowed, are pathologically relevant in ALS.
- Detailed description of sensory and autonomic system involvement across various scientific domains.
Conclusions:
- Non-motor symptoms are an integral component of ALS pathology.
- Further research into sensory and autonomic systems is crucial for a complete understanding of ALS.
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