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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Random Symptons
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Random Symptons
by Buffie123, Jun 08, 2002 12:00AM
I am a 49 year old woman who in the past 10 days has begun to have twitches over my body. The main one I see regularly is on the inside of my foot, along the tendon (I also have Plantar Faciatis in that foot). I also have noticed some weakness in my hands and arms (shaky at times). My arms/hands have been weak off and on for the past couple of years. Also Jerky movements, when I am getting close to sleep I'll jerk my finger, arm or mouth. Three MDs have done the Neuro exam on me and one Neurologist with the report being everything seems normal (good reflexes etc). I feel weak but it is not detected by the doctors. I have also had some soreness/burning of my tongue for over three years, which now I wonder about tongue twitches.
EMG scheduled in two weeks (MRI and bloodwork normal)
1 How important is the physical Neuro exam in detecting ALS?
2 I wake up at night in a sweat and feel ill and weak, is this
common complaint with ALS?
3 Could one have tongue fasciculations for three years and not
progress to weakness or atrophy in tongue?
4 I have been unable to sleep well and lost my appetite. Lost 7
pounds in 10 days. Is rapid weight loss of muscle a sign even
if there is no visible sign of atrophy?
5 Do random jerks of fingers, arms, mouth signal ALS?
6 Past year I have had pain/stiffness with my feet and legs. My toes/feet cramp a lot. Just noticed I have a hammertoe could that indicate a joint deformity due to ALS?
7 I have had severe headaches stopped 2 months ago, does headache usually accompany ALS?
Thanks!
EMG scheduled in two weeks (MRI and bloodwork normal)
1 How important is the physical Neuro exam in detecting ALS?
2 I wake up at night in a sweat and feel ill and weak, is this
common complaint with ALS?
3 Could one have tongue fasciculations for three years and not
progress to weakness or atrophy in tongue?
4 I have been unable to sleep well and lost my appetite. Lost 7
pounds in 10 days. Is rapid weight loss of muscle a sign even
if there is no visible sign of atrophy?
5 Do random jerks of fingers, arms, mouth signal ALS?
6 Past year I have had pain/stiffness with my feet and legs. My toes/feet cramp a lot. Just noticed I have a hammertoe could that indicate a joint deformity due to ALS?
7 I have had severe headaches stopped 2 months ago, does headache usually accompany ALS?
Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Jun 11, 2002 12:00AM
1.As there is no simple test like a blood test that can say definitively that you do or do not have ALS, the clinical history and exam are extremely important in making the diagnosis of ALS. If the on and off weakness were due to ALS, the exam theoretically should have showed some musc wasting or objective weakness. There could be some reflex changes also.
2.Not a common symptom, but I;m sure some ALS patients do have similar complaints.
3.Not likely.
4.No. In combination with the night sweats and overall feeling of illness/weakness, the complex of symptoms could represent a common problem such as menopause or could be concerning for something else going on in your body. I do NOT mean to alarm you, but there are systemic diseases such as autoimmune abnormalities as well as chronic infection, cancer, and thyroid disease that can present this way.
5.No.
6.No.
7.Again ALS patients can certainly have headaches, but it's not part of the characterstic clinical syndrome.
Nothing in medicine is 100% or life for that matter, so I can't say that you do NOT have ALS definitively. But hopefully, the EMG will be normal like your exam and provide you with some reassurance. Do make sure you talk to your primnary care doc and let them know about the other symptoms so routine lab screening can be done. Good luck
2.Not a common symptom, but I;m sure some ALS patients do have similar complaints.
3.Not likely.
4.No. In combination with the night sweats and overall feeling of illness/weakness, the complex of symptoms could represent a common problem such as menopause or could be concerning for something else going on in your body. I do NOT mean to alarm you, but there are systemic diseases such as autoimmune abnormalities as well as chronic infection, cancer, and thyroid disease that can present this way.
5.No.
6.No.
7.Again ALS patients can certainly have headaches, but it's not part of the characterstic clinical syndrome.
Nothing in medicine is 100% or life for that matter, so I can't say that you do NOT have ALS definitively. But hopefully, the EMG will be normal like your exam and provide you with some reassurance. Do make sure you talk to your primnary care doc and let them know about the other symptoms so routine lab screening can be done. Good luck
I am 39 year old female. 21/2 months ago started with twitching, lots of it. Have noticed zinging sensations including in my tongue. Many, many other symptoms...choaking sensation, jolting awake, random numbness and burning. In the process of seeing specialists. Endo is booked until end of August...my primary doesn't want to do anything more until I see him, so it's a waiting game. How are you doing?