Muscle Ultrasound: A New Tool for Measuring Progression in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

This is a study in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). We will use muscle ultrasound as a tool to try and see if there are changes in muscle size that can find out how fast ALS is progressing. This might give us a better way to carry out further studies on new drugs to see if they might help slow the progression of ALS. Participants in the study will have muscle ultrasound performed on a few muscles in the arms and legs at the first visit, and again 3 months later, and one last time 3 months after that. This takes about 10 minutes, is painless, and involves scanning the muscle with a handheld device, with some gel applied to the skin. At each visit, there will also be a questionnaire about symptoms and strength testing.