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Thoracic radicular symptoms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
D S Newman1, S K Aggarwal, R Silbergleit
1Department of Neurology, ALS Clinic, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can cause thoracic radicular symptoms in some patients. This may be due to paraspinal muscle weakness leading to increased thoracic kyphosis and nerve root traction.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuron Science
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
- Thoracic radicular symptoms are not commonly associated with ALS.
Observation:
- Four patients with ALS presented with thoracic radicular symptoms.
- These symptoms suggest potential involvement beyond typical motor neuron degeneration.
Findings:
- Paraspinal muscle weakness was observed in these patients.
- This weakness may lead to an increased thoracic kyphosis (outward curvature of the spine).
Implications:
- Increased thoracic kyphosis could cause mechanical traction on thoracic nerve roots.
- This mechanism offers a potential explanation for radicular symptoms in ALS patients.
- Further research is needed to confirm this association and its clinical significance.