What is the definitive test for MND?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have recently noticed a lot of wrinkling of my skin on both my thenar muscles of the thumb. I just noticed it a month ago. I also have a dent or atrophy on the back of my right hand between the little and middle finger. I am not sure whether this is new as it seems to appear in a video of myself taken before three months. I am a 35 year old male. My grip strength seems good. I recently did a personal best hang test of 1 minute 20 seconds. Two years ago, my neurologist told me that I had cramp fasciculation syndrome as I had a lot of calf and feet twitchings. I am concerned now that I may have motor neuron disease (MND). Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Motor neuron disease may be a possibility for the appearance of muscle atrophy in the photographs that you have sent (attachment removed to protect patient identity). However, the definitive test for motor neuron disease (MND) is ENMG, which stands for electroneuromyography. It can detect whether the nerve conduction and muscle excitation is normal or not. In MND, ENMG will show denervation potentials and the site of the lesion will be the anterior horn cell. You should ask your primary care physician to refer you to a neurologist for ENMG and physical evaluation.