Fasciculation frequency at the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease burden and activity

Introduction Fasciculations are most commonly seen in the biceps brachii muscle in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study we have explored the association between fasciculation frequency in a single location-biceps brachii and brachialis muscles (BB), and disease burden and activity. Methods Sonographic muscle studies were performed in 90 ALS patients, 47 of whom were seen in subsequent follow-up. The association between fasciculations frequency at the BB and ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) and manual muscle testing (MMT) scores was determined. Results High fasciculation frequency at the BB, where detection rate was the highest, was associated with shorter disease duration, greater muscle thickness, higher MMT scores, and faster rate of decline in ALSFRS-R initially, and MMT subsequently. Discussion High fasciculation frequency at the BB as determined by sonography, is associated with less impairment at time of examination, and a more active disease with a more rapid progression.

Automated summary

The study found that a high frequency of fasciculations in the biceps brachii muscle is associated with a shorter disease duration, greater muscle thickness, higher MMT scores, and a faster rate of decline in ALSFRS-R initially, and MMT subsequently, indicating a more active disease state with a rapid progression.