[Motor neuron disease: primary lateral sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].

AIM: Primary lateral sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are amongst motor neuron diseases. Differences between these two disorders are stressed by this paper.

SOURCE OF DATA: Articles pertinent to this subject from the past 10 years.

CONCLUSION

Both disorders are of neurodegenerative pathogenesis, and motor neurons are selectively involved. Unless only motor neurons from central nervous system are involved in primary lateral sclerosis, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis motor neurons are involved both in central and in peripheral nervous system. Clinical neurophysiological and radiological features are helpful in differential diagnosis of these diseases. Primary lateral sclerosis has better prognosis and much higher survival rate.