title: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in ALS.
abstract: Establishing the presence of upper motor neuron (UMN) pathology is essential for an accurate and definite diagnosis of ALS. However, clinical identification of UMN dysfunction can be difficult in early disease or if lower motor neuron signs are prominent. A routine technique such as magnetic resonance imaging is usually normal and non-specific. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) is a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that has successfully demonstrated evidence of neuronal abnormalities in motor regions of the brain in ALS. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of employing 1H-MRS as an investigative tool in the diagnosis of ALS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA. pioroe@ccf.org
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Pioro
mesh_terms: D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D011522:Protons
chemical_list: D011522:Protons