A recent study used muscle ultrasound to analyze fasciculation patterns in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). The researchers identified distinct differences in the distribution and intensity of fasciculations between the two conditions, establishing a modified ultrasound scoring system with high sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing ALS from SBMA. While ultrasound should not replace existing diagnostic methods, it can complement clinical and electrophysiologic findings, particularly in cases with inconclusive results.

Source: BMJ Neurology Open