[Introduction of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis self-assessment scale].

Objective: To introduce a new functional self-assessment scale of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods: By comparing current different ALS functional scales and combining relative clinical experience and numeric pain intensity scale, ALS self-assessment scale was set down by International Association of Neural Restoration.

Results: ALS self-assessment scale included 3 categories with 18 items, adopting 10 points grading system, namely 10 was defined as the normal, 0 as the worst, and the total scores was 180. This scale included: (1) Bulbus medullae function: speech, swallowing, salivation, and tongue extension. (2) Limbs function: left arm movement, left hand movement, right arm movement, right hand movement, left leg movement, right leg movement, trunk movement, head-up, walking, and climbing stairs. (3) Others: breathing, muscular tone, pain, and muscle discomfort.

Conclusion: ALS self-assessment scale is specifically designed for ASL patients. It can evaluate patient's function comprehensively and is simple and convenient, consuming less time.