PLS affects only the upper motor neurons, occurs more gradually, and is debilitating but not fatal.
PLS progresses gradually over several years or even decades.
No single test can provide a definitive diagnosis for either.
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They may also perform additional diagnostic tests not on the list below to help rule out other medical conditions.
Unfortunately, no treatments can reverse or cure motor neuron damage resulting from PLS or ALS.
Although the diseases are similar, they have different symptoms and require different treatments.
Symptoms of PLS take several years to progress, while symptoms of ALS come on more rapidly.
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de Boer EMJ, de Vries BS, Pennings M, et al.Genetic characterization of primary lateral sclerosis.J Neurol.
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National Center for Advancing Translation Sciences.Juvenile primary lateral sclerosis.
National Institution of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
National Institution for Rare Disorders.Primary lateral sclerosis.
