Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Presenting With Respiratory Insufficiency
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Presenting With Respiratory Insufficiency

Anatol J Gen Med Res 1995;5(2):206-210 DOI: 10.5222/terh.1995.71091
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Abstract

Typical onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis includes a combination of upper and lower motor neuron signs. Respiratory failure is a frequent end-stage complication of the disease. However, in limited number of cases, severe hypoventilation is reported as the first manifestation of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Here we present a 39 -year old man were referred to our chest ünite with 8-month history of severe dyspnea on exertion and lying flat which had progressively worsened. A diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis was made after neurologic evaluation and electromyographic study. We suggest that Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis should be considered in patients with unexplained respiratory failure.

Keywords: Motor Neuron Disease, Dyspnea.