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Neurology (Expert Forum)
DO I have ALS or I am still hypohondric?
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DO I have ALS or I am still hypohondric?
by cvele, Sep 24, 2003 12:00AM
Greetings,
I have 24 years and am threated for 4 years because of hypochondria in first place and
extreme anxiety,panic attacs,etc.My psyhiatrist is neurosurgeon also,and had 12 ALS patient since now.I still have anxiety,which is not as strong as it used to be.In one day,I have a lot of anxiety eposodes,but mild ones.About 10h daily I am mildly anxious.I have fasciculations over whole my body since 17 months before.Blood test revealed low Iron in serum, but without anemia.
I do not have any weakness in my body, any at all.So,my legs,my hands,my chest,
my everything,let's say hands is just improving in strenght, or stagnating.But in last
few months I have difficulty swallowing.Food started to stick in my throat,I have to use
some dring to make it pass through.First it was obvious that it was only when I was thinking about that,now it is always.I don't know to tell,but I think that always I am thinking abouth that.I haven't noticed anything about loosing gag reflux because I always test it when drink.So, the only thing is difficulty swallowing lasting for 2 months,and fascics lastin 17 months.Every other thing is just fine. I do not have fascics in tongue,or they are rare.Tongue looks fine,but with indentations.I think that I always had them,but somehow they are deeper now.I've never done EMG,cause my neuo said,if it is
neccessary he would told me. I do not have any reason to think about ALS.He said so.I could do it any time, but many thinks it is better to continue with therapy.
What is your opinion?
Thank you in advance
Miroslav Cvetinov
I have 24 years and am threated for 4 years because of hypochondria in first place and
extreme anxiety,panic attacs,etc.My psyhiatrist is neurosurgeon also,and had 12 ALS patient since now.I still have anxiety,which is not as strong as it used to be.In one day,I have a lot of anxiety eposodes,but mild ones.About 10h daily I am mildly anxious.I have fasciculations over whole my body since 17 months before.Blood test revealed low Iron in serum, but without anemia.
I do not have any weakness in my body, any at all.So,my legs,my hands,my chest,
my everything,let's say hands is just improving in strenght, or stagnating.But in last
few months I have difficulty swallowing.Food started to stick in my throat,I have to use
some dring to make it pass through.First it was obvious that it was only when I was thinking about that,now it is always.I don't know to tell,but I think that always I am thinking abouth that.I haven't noticed anything about loosing gag reflux because I always test it when drink.So, the only thing is difficulty swallowing lasting for 2 months,and fascics lastin 17 months.Every other thing is just fine. I do not have fascics in tongue,or they are rare.Tongue looks fine,but with indentations.I think that I always had them,but somehow they are deeper now.I've never done EMG,cause my neuo said,if it is
neccessary he would told me. I do not have any reason to think about ALS.He said so.I could do it any time, but many thinks it is better to continue with therapy.
What is your opinion?
Thank you in advance
Miroslav Cvetinov
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Sep 24, 2003 12:00AM
I assume since you are seeing a neurologist that basic electrolytes and muscle enzyme tests have been normal. The fact that you have had symptoms for 17 months, and have not developed progressive weakness is encouraging. Some forms of ALS can start with difficulty swallowing though. There is a condition known as benign fasciculation syndrome, when patients have fasciculatoins with no other deficits. If you are questioning the diagnosis then perhaps a second opinion at an ALS center would be appropriate. You can find these centers by going to the following web site:
www.mdausa.org/clinics
Good luck.
www.mdausa.org/clinics
Good luck.