Clean EMG Still Twitching (concerned about ALS)

Question

History:

* Started twitching in 11/15/2005
* Went to local neuro and had EMG/NCS (right side) performed 11/28/05, twitching was benign.
* Went to ALS specialist 12/23/05, exam and EMG/NCS (left side) normal and told I don't have ALS.
* After some counseling to help the fear, I did one more follow up EMG/NCS on 4/6/06 (left side) with the first neuro, diagnosis was BFS
* Follow up eith neuro on 11/2006, normal exam
* occasionally have pain in my left calf and a perceived cramp or rwo
* Saw the first neuro again for a quick exam and he said no worries of ALS and would not recommend an EMG unless I REALLY needed it to move on with life.

I am mostly concerned about my left calf because it twitches the most, although I get them in the right calf occasionally too as well as all over my body.

Questions:

1) at 16 months can I put this behind me now ?
2) if this were a remote possibility of ALS, would I have had some weakness by now ?
3) would there be a need to repeat the EMG since almost a year has passed sine my last one ?
4) would it be typical to see a difference in strength in my ankles from dominant and non-dominant sides?

At this point I can run/walk 3 miles, workout without noticing any complications, I have good hand dexterity, etc.

hosannajesus · Answer

Could you have dystonia?  It causes twitches and muscle spasms.  I am waiting for my neuro appointment to see if I have this.  A good website to look at is http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/

tewest99 · Answer

Thanks everyone for your responses and prayers  :-)

tewest99 · Answer

I guess I should clarify taht when I refer to my left ankle being weaker, I meant that I was pushing wieghts at the gym on a calf exerciser.  When I was pushing between 300-400 pounds, my right ankle was more sturdy but my left was not as sturdy.  I don't know that this is a concern or if my right ankle is more sturdy because I am right footed, that is the foot I kick with, etc...

I have a neuro appt. today ...

cheery · Answer

I think it is safe to say that you do not have ALS. There would definitely be some weakness by now. I started having twitches in May, but had weakness before the twitching (that I noticed anyway) even started. I do not have a diagnosis. The doctors say they can't rule out ALS (which was a suprise to hear because I thought they were leaning towards MS). I am getting weaker and weaker every day. I would love to get the dx of BFS. Please know how blessed you are to be able to move on with your life. If there was any possibility of ALS the doctors would let you know.

kitlyn · Answer

HI : I had developed weakness and severe head pressure and pain in the summer of 2006. It was terrible, cold sweats too, no cold or infection noted. I thought i wa sdying..I wa so WEAK. I had brain MRI done twice, first one they couldn't rule out tumor as there were spots on the brain , but after 5 months had another brain MRI and they say now no tumor as spots are less prominent. I asked the neuro if this could be als, and he said no. I am weak all of a sudden at x. Its awful, also w the rt eye weak,a nd rt hand .They are lenaing towards MS too, but i will see the new two MS specialists in April. I hope no more surprises w anything. Its like new symptoms all the time. I know how you feel. If they say no ALS though , ... you know? I will say a prayer. Peace. K

meikman · Answer

Tony is this you?

4t1074 · Answer

1) yes
2) yes
3) no
4) No


Two years, no muscle wasting and no weakness, definitely NO ALS!

Quit Worring.

Clean EMG Still Twitching (concerned about ALS)

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