Differtial Diagnosis Between Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy And Amyotrophfic Lateral Sclerosis

Objective : To find a method on differential diagnosis between cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM) and amyotrophfic lateral sclerosis(ALS) at early stage. Methods: To retrospect 28 cases CSM and 36 cases ALS whose have been diagnosed. A group of symptoms/signs, MRI and electrophysiological check-up are compared and combined to differentiate CSM and ALS by steps. Results: Amyotrophy, fasciculation, sensory loss and MRI have significant difference between CSM and ALS. MRI can be used to exclusively diagnose CSM. Namely, without abnormality in MRI is excluded ALS. Abnormality of CSM in electromyogram(EMG) is limited in upper limbs, EMG of ALS shows extended neurogenic changes. They have significant difference in somatosensory evoked potentials(SEP). Conclusion: GSM and ALS can be differentiated efficiently through symptoms , MRI and electrophysiological check-up.