Shortening the time to the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: role of the neurologist.

Early diagnosis is particularly relevant in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as new therapies, which may have a direct impact on the outcome of the disease, are being developed. Many ALS patients go to non-neurological specialists rather than neurologists for their first consultation. Neurologists specialized in the field of neuromuscular diseases therefore have a duty to help general neurologists and other non-neurological specialists to recognize the disease. This may be achieved by disseminating the El Escorial/Airlie House clinical and electrophysiological criteria for the diagnosis of ALS as well as by emphasizing that ALS is a manageable condition. Neurologists should collaborate better with patient organizations as well as reinforce public awareness of ALS.