Question Title: ALS -signs ?

Being diagnosed with an HERNIA C6/C7, giving compressed spinal cord,an operation was performed on 21 april 98. Since then however (nightly only)numbness of (under)arm(s), weakness of hand/powerless (meanly during night/at weak up), heavy fasiculations all over the body (arms, legs, body) and draging leg has nothing (yet ?) improved.

Neurologist here claims that NUMBNESS (in underarms) and TINGLING in feet is CONTRA-INDICATIVE for ALS; so that I do not have to worry , but just need to have patience. Is this correct /always as such or can ALS also cause the above NUMBNESS and tinglings ?

I would be very greatfull to have some (not committing) opinon of any of your specialists on this. Thanks a lot. Pierre Winckel Jr.

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ALS is a motor neuron disease, and as such does not have sensory symptoms. But there is a more important reason why your symptoms are NOT likely to be ALS.

That is, all the symptoms are referable to damage or irritation to the cervical spine (tingling in feet, dragging of leg) and to the cervical roots (tingling/numbness in arms, weakness of hands). Fasciculations in the upper extremities could be explained by the nerve root damage though cord damage would not produce fasciculations in the legs. However, fasciculations by themselves are not predictive of anything - often people have them and have NO disease.

The fact that your symptoms vary from day and night (especially with position) is more evidence that the cause is structural, related to the position of the cord and roots within the spine rather than a degenerative disease such as ALS.

If your herniated disc at C6-7 was large enough to truly compress (as opposed to merely touch) the spinal cord at that level, it is understandable that you would be left with residual symptoms after surgery. Remember that surgery just arrests the ongoing damage, but is not guaranteed to reverse any damage that has already taken place.

I hope this helps set your mind at ease. As you know, this information is provided for your general medical education. Any specific comment regarding diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options must come from your doctor after appropriate evaluation. CCF MD mdf.