Meteorologist’s trip to dentist leads to ALS diagnosis

After visiting a dentist with unusual oral symptoms, Jeriann Ritter, a meteorologist for WHO 13 in Iowa, was referred to several clinicians who eventually diagnosed her with bulbar-onset ALS.

Patients with bulbar-onset ALS often experience difficulties swallowing, speaking and breathing, according to a news article from Today. Ms. Ritter’s speech issues were a matter of concern among viewers of WHO 13, who noticed that she was slurring her words and grabbing the left side of her face.

Suspecting that her teeth were moving, Ms. Ritter visited a dentist who was worried she was experiencing a stroke. However, following visits to other doctors, computed tomography and MRI scans, and a neurologist appointment, she received a bulbar-onset ALS diagnosis. Although there is no cure for the disease — which affects the part of the brain responsible for controlling facial and neck muscles — Ms. Ritter decided to remain positive and focus on what life with the disease will look like.

“It’s raining right now. I’m just trying to find the sunshine,” Ms. Ritter revealed in an interview with her colleague Keith Murphy.

“I’m trying to figure out what that new journey looks like, but I want it to be more about spreading love,” she concluded.

Read more: Today

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.