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Updated: Jul 26, 2025
08:16
Utility of Dissociated Intrinsic Hand Muscle Atrophy in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: March 4, 2014
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Skeletal muscle in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Jeremy M Shefner1,2,3, Antonio Musaro4, Shyuan T Ngo5
1Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
Brain : a Journal of Neurology
|June 16, 2023
Summary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research increasingly recognizes skeletal muscle
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Muscle Physiology
- Disease Pathogenesis
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is primarily viewed as a motor neuron disease.
- Skeletal muscle's role in ALS has been considered secondary to motor neuron loss.
- Skeletal muscle and motor neurons form a functional unit, influencing each other.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal muscle may be an active participant, not just a passive bystander, in ALS.
- A paradigm shift is needed to appreciate muscle's contribution to ALS.
- Future research and treatments should consider the role of skeletal muscle.
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