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neurological issues

by emma violet, Apr 21, 2007 12:00AM
2-14-07 I had a headache and stiff neck. A week later I started having muscle twitching all over my body.A week later my tongue started twitching. Now I am having twitching and tongue biting and drooling. It first started on one side,now it is on both sides. No trouble swallowing.I received numerous tick bites over a 5 month period a year ago. I tried for a year to have a lyme disease test done. I finally had one on Thur but have not received the results yet.I have no extremity weakness.I am worried about ALS but cannot see a neurologist for 2 months.What will the neurologist test for?
Member Comments (12)

by Enoch Choi, Apr 25, 2007 12:00AM
To: emma violet
I'm sorry for your headache, stiff neck, tongue & whole body muscle twitching.

Please be advised that answers are given as general health information, not intended guide your specific treatment. MedHelp physicians can comment on treatment options in general, not specific to your case, so it helps to ask the quesion in such a way: 'If someone had headache, stiff neck, tongue & whole body muscle twitching for 2 months... what could this represent and what can they expect from a neurologist's care?'

This forum is not intended to give advice for diagnosis or treatment of your symptoms. It's intended for general information not specific to a single patient. Please see your doctor for your concerns about your pain and twitching. There's a lot more that can be done to look into your symptoms.

When patients complain to me of headache, stiff neck, tongue & whole body muscle twitching, ALS is not the first disease that comes to mind.  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a combination of upper motor neuron and lower motor neuron degeneration.  The upper motor neuron degeneration leads to weakness, overresponsive reflexes, and spasticity. The lower motor neuron degeneration leads to weakness, twitching, and shrinkage of muscles.  Other than the twitching, you haven't described any of these other symptoms.  Yes, it's posisble, but you need to be examined for the other signs.

Please see your regular doctor, and ask for the neurology visit to be bumped up if you're getting worse.

Enoch Choi, MD

by EdFL, May 18, 2007 12:00AM
To: Stiff Neck
I am a 38 year old, fairly active male.  While I have never been officially diagnosed with scoliosis, my body is definately asymetric--one should is higher than the other, etc.  The bad part is that when I adjust my body in the mirror it seems as if I am having to lift my right shoulder to my ear to straighten-out my back.  What I mean here is that my lat muscle becomes straighter, etc.  In short, it seems like my back is getting more twisted--which worries me.

This, however, is not my greatest concern.  My neck has always been fairly thin and shoulders (trapezius--neck to shoulder group) has been mostly non-exisitent--perhaps due to my poor posture.  Anyway, since last year, my neck has become progessively weaker and stiff.  It also seems that the muscles have become atrophied--ligaments have become more pronounced.  In addition to the weakness, it feels like it needs to be popped/cracked.  I do this fairly often when it stiffens-up.  

Finally, on occasion, I have some muscle twitching.  I have been in a few minor car wrecks, too.  Should I be concerned about ALS?

by conniec, May 22, 2007 12:00AM
Hi Dr. Choi,

My uncle is suffering from serious Motor Neuron Disease in New Zealand and was told that there is no cure.  

He is unable to move, talk, or eat for over 6 months.  I am desparate in looking for information that can give us hope in healing him.  Would you be able to point me to the right direction?  
Are there any treatments available to cure this? Thank you very much.

Connie

by 4t1074, May 24, 2007 12:00AM
To: connie
Connie,

There are not many treatments for ALS.  You can try antioxidants (vitamins) and there is one approved drug, but it's not very effective.

Sorry, we cannot help further.

by Karin R, Jun 15, 2007 11:06AM
I am a 40 year old female, and started having muscle twitching, mostly in my legs, but have experienced it all over my body.  I recently noticed that it looks like my muscles in my left thigh are getting a lot smaller.  I just thought it was from not exercising and getting older.  I have pain in my upper arms, like a burning sensation, that comes and goes.  

I went to the doctor and have had two muscle tests done by blood, not sure what they were.  The Dr. called me yesterday and wants me to come in and do another test, that both tests have come back a little high (not sure what that means either).

I am very scared that I have ALS.  Has anyone ever experienced this with BFS?  I am hoping that is what I have.

by Capital H, Jun 17, 2007 07:11PM
To: Karin
Please Karin do not be concerned about ALS, if you have it there is nothing you can do about it, and if you have BFS  which is far more likely there is not a lot you can do about that either.

It is very easy to see atrophy where it is not there when you are worried, our bodies are not symetrical, but a neurologist would not be able to mistake true atrophy or weakness.

You need to see a neurologist to reassure yourself

I have been there myself with the worry and come out the other side.

Pain is not a symptom of ALS

by Karin R, Jun 18, 2007 01:46PM
To: Capital H
Did you experience these same symptoms - thanks for helping.  I am seeing a Rheumatologist tomm.

by alsadvocate, Jul 03, 2007 09:46AM
To: Karin R.
I was recently diagnosed with Perhiperal Neuropathy and BFS by my Neuro.
The thing is, my brother had the same dx for seven years. Two years ago he was dx with ALS. Its horroble. I am seeing a new Doc. nesx week that studies underlying Neurpmuscular disorders. Good luck to you!  I hope it is BFS.

With BFS the twitches could happen anywhere in your body. Thats a good sign.
Get him to do EMG and NVC test.

by wazup, Jul 05, 2007 02:17AM
when u have bfs does that mean you will get als

by wazup, Jul 05, 2007 02:30AM
All this is freaking me out.  I have had body twitching for the past 4 yrs its been getting worse.  I have never seen a dr.  To scared to find out if its ALS.  Should i be concerned I just turned 30.

by BRADLY70, Jul 11, 2007 07:14PM
To: CONNIE&KARIN
Ok i see capital h has not done his/her homework on ALS, so please let me help both of ypu with your very important questions on this subject that we all wish we knew the anwers too.
For one yes there is a possible cure if not a drug