EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports

Research Article Volume 6 Issue 4 - 2023

Suspected Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Post COVD-19 infection

Sam Kara*, Patrick Mercho, Kester Nedd and Sreepadma Sonty

Department of Neurology, Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus, Miami, FL, USA

*Corresponding Author: Sam Kara, Department of Neurology, Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus, Miami, FL, USA.
Received: February 20, 2023; Published: March 21, 2023



Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease involving the degeneration of cortical and spinal motor neurons, with specific sparing of sensory neurons. While the majority of ALS cases are sporadic, genetic susceptibility leading to familial ALS is well established. The etiology of ALS remains, at large, unknown, although environmental exposures and infections have been implicated. (ALS could be sporadic or familial).

We present a patient who developed ALS-like symptoms following an acute COVID-19 infection. These symptoms include a combination of upper motor neuron (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) damage involving the brainstem and multiple spinal cord innervation regions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the brain and spinal cord along with extensive laboratory studies were negative and helped exclude syndromes that mimic ALS. Furthermore, electromyogram (EMG) abnormalities showed fasciculation potentials (FPs) and spontaneous denervation discharges which are indicative of reinnervation. These finding along with clinical abnormalities on physical exams, represent the hallmark of the disease, and are standard criteria to the diagnosis of ALS in our patient.

We present a case of acute, early-onset, sporadic ALS following COVID-19 infection in otherwise healthy male.

Keywords: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; COVID-19; Electroencephalogram; Upper Motor Neuron; Lower Motor Neuron; Fasciculation; Denervation; Reinnervation

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Sam Kara., et al. "Suspected Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Post COVD-19 infection." EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports   6.4 (2023): 116-123.