alsfrs_r_score: Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale...

In cliot: Clinical Indices and Outcomes Tools

Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R)

Description

Calculates the ALSFRS-R score, a validated instrument for monitoring the progression of disability in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It evaluates four domains: Bulbar, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, and Respiratory function. Each of the 12 items is scored from 0 (Complete Loss of Function) to 4 (Normal Function), yielding a total score between 0 and 48.

Usage

alsfrs_r_score(speech, salivation, swallowing, handwriting, cutting_food,
               dressing_hygiene, turning_in_bed, walking, climbing_stairs,
               dyspnea, orthopnea, respiratory_insufficiency)

Arguments

speech	Numeric (0-4). Assessment of speech processes.
salivation	Numeric (0-4). Assessment of salivation.
swallowing	Numeric (0-4). Assessment of swallowing.
handwriting	Numeric (0-4). Assessment of handwriting ability.
cutting_food	Numeric (0-4). Ability to cut food and handle utensils (with or without gastrostomy).
dressing_hygiene	Numeric (0-4). Ability to dress and perform hygiene.
turning_in_bed	Numeric (0-4). Ability to turn in bed and adjust bed clothes.
walking	Numeric (0-4). Walking ability.
climbing_stairs	Numeric (0-4). Ability to climb stairs.
dyspnea	Numeric (0-4). Shortness of breath.
orthopnea	Numeric (0-4). Shortness of breath while lying flat.
respiratory_insufficiency	Numeric (0-4). Use of respiratory appliances (BiPAP, Ventilator).

Value

A list containing:

ALSFRS_R_Score	The calculated total score (Range 0-48).
Subscores	Breakdown of scores by functional domain.
Interpretation	Context regarding the score directionality.

References

Cedarbaum JM, Stambler N, Malta E, et al. The ALSFRS-R: a revised ALS functional rating scale that incorporates assessments of respiratory function. BDNF ALS Study Group (Phase III). J Neurol Sci. 1999;169(1-2):13-21. doi:10.1016/s0022-510x(99)00210-5

Examples

# Example 1: Mild Disease
# All normal except slight speech (3) and handwriting (3)
alsfrs_r_score(3, 4, 4, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4)

# Example 2: Advanced Disease
# Bulbar and Respiratory impairment
alsfrs_r_score(1, 2, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 2, 1, 0)

cliot documentation built on Dec. 1, 2025, 1:06 a.m.