Head and shoulders, knees and toes: Neurological presentations and serious mimics

Project Partners

Physician Learning Program (PLP)

University of Alberta’s ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic

Dr. Wendy Johnston

Office of Lifelong Learning

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, progressive neurological disease that causes loss of muscle control. Although there is no cure, early diagnosis is crucial for initiating treatments that may improve quality of life. These therapies are most beneficial when started soon after symptom onset. Unfortunately, early ALS symptoms often mimic more common conditions, leading to delayed referrals and diagnoses as patients are shuffled between specialists. This delay can significantly affect outcomes and quality of life.

Aims/Objectives

Educate healthcare providers on distinguishing common neurological symptoms from those indicative of ALS

Improve early recognition and diagnosis of ALS

Reduce time to referral and treatment for patients with progressive neurological symptoms

Provide practical clinical tools for front-line providers

Promote awareness of ALS among general practitioners and specialists through targeted education

Findings/Summary

To improve early ALS detection, PLP collaborated with Dr. Wendy Johnston and the University of Alberta’s ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic to develop a four-part webinar series titled Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes: Neurological Presentations and Serious Mimics. Each session addressed common misdiagnoses: foot drop mistaken for sciatica, numb hand for carpal tunnel, senior functional decline for geriatrics, and speech changes for stroke. The webinars were well attended, with registrations ranging from 160 to 196 and strong asynchronous participation. Across sessions, 97% of participants agreed the content was relevant, met their learning needs, and encouraged reflection on practice, with 93% confident in applying the insights.

Conclusions/Outcomes/Impact/Implications

The series successfully equipped clinicians with tools to improve diagnostic accuracy and make timely referrals for suspected ALS. By sharpening providers’ diagnostic instincts, the program helps reduce delays in care and potentially improves quality of life for patients through earlier access to treatment. The availability of resources and recordings supports ongoing, asynchronous learning across Alberta and beyond.