Dancing Tongue

A 47-year-old male presents to the physician complaining that "my tongue is dancing". He has a 1-year history of difficulty swallowing solids and liquids as well as a decrease in the volume of his voice. Physical examination reveals weakness and atrophy of his leg muscles bilaterally and mildly slurred speach. His sensory functions are intact. Electromyography shows evidence of active and chronic denervation.

Question 1 Answer

Question 1 Answer

Question 1: Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis

Tongue atrophy and fasciculations are among the bulbar symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, tongue fasciculations are seen in a 47-year-old man with the disease. The bulbar symptoms of ALS include tongue atrophy and fasciculations, dysarthria, hypophonia, dysphagia, and sialorrhea.

Question 2 Answer

Question 2 Answer

Question 2: TDP-43

A hyperphosphorylated and ubiquitinated TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is found in the neurons of ALS and Frontotemportal dementia.

Question 3 Answer

Question 3 Answer

Question 3: Riluzole

Riluzole was the first drug approved for ALS and may extend survival by 2-3 months.

Dancing Tongue

"My Tongue is Dancing"

Question 1 Answer

Question 2 Answer

Question 3 Answer

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