Noninvasive Assessment of Neuromuscular Disease Using Electrical Impedance Myography

Noninvasive Assessment of Neuromuscular Disease Using Electrical Impedance Myography

The purpose of this protocol is to test a new Electrical Impedance Myography (EIM) device and study its reliability and ability to differentiate ALS patients from healthy controls.

Investigators will study 10 ALS patients and at least 10 age-matched healthy controls between the ages of 21 and 85 years old. For all subjects, EIM measurements will be performed on four muscles: two in the upper and two in the lower extremities, using 8 different EIM sensors. Measurements will be repeated one time.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of probable or definite ALS by the El Escorial Criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of superimposed generalized neuromuscular disease
• Primary lateral sclerosis or other atypical motor neuron disorders
• Forced vital capacity of less than 50%
• Presence of disease for greater than 5 years since symptom onset