Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology (Expert Forum)
ALS,Psychogenic or Other
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
ALS,Psychogenic or Other
by antbon, Oct 29, 2003 12:00AM
ALS Symptoms or Psychogenic?
Mid July during a period of stress I developed a Globus Sensation in my throat. I focused on my throat, conscious frequent swallowing, and developed a minor swallowing difficulty - saliva was hardest to swallow and sometimes small particles of food remain in my throat. It waxes and wanes but never feels perfect.ENT visit and scoping was negative. Focused on ALS and have developed other symptoms (beginning of Sept at the same time I started Zoloft. I think the drug contributed to the sypmtoms but when I came off 3 weeks later the symptoms stayed. I was on Zoloft for 3 weeks, 50 MG a day and ended cold turkey), including action tremor with light muscle contraction in my lips, tremor in my tongue when I lightly press it against my teeth, and occasional oral myoclonus (tongue, jaw lips) . No faciculations in my tongue. I have a history (over 14 years) of benign faciculations mostly in my legs but all over as well. They come and go. I have since developed slight muscle cramping and vague pain in my hands and feet, day and night, onset all at once. No noticable weakness face, oral or otherwise; run 5 miles and work out with weights.
I am currently on 1.5 mg of Kolonopin daily.
Neuro (without knowledge of cramping yet) has done exam and says ALS is not indicated, and has ordered an MRI of the brain which he thinks will be negative.
My question is: does this sound like ALS and if it was Bulbar onset, would I be getting the hand and foot cramping so quickly without more extensive bulbar symptoms first (Speech, chewing, facial, tongue strength
Mid July during a period of stress I developed a Globus Sensation in my throat. I focused on my throat, conscious frequent swallowing, and developed a minor swallowing difficulty - saliva was hardest to swallow and sometimes small particles of food remain in my throat. It waxes and wanes but never feels perfect.ENT visit and scoping was negative. Focused on ALS and have developed other symptoms (beginning of Sept at the same time I started Zoloft. I think the drug contributed to the sypmtoms but when I came off 3 weeks later the symptoms stayed. I was on Zoloft for 3 weeks, 50 MG a day and ended cold turkey), including action tremor with light muscle contraction in my lips, tremor in my tongue when I lightly press it against my teeth, and occasional oral myoclonus (tongue, jaw lips) . No faciculations in my tongue. I have a history (over 14 years) of benign faciculations mostly in my legs but all over as well. They come and go. I have since developed slight muscle cramping and vague pain in my hands and feet, day and night, onset all at once. No noticable weakness face, oral or otherwise; run 5 miles and work out with weights.
I am currently on 1.5 mg of Kolonopin daily.
Neuro (without knowledge of cramping yet) has done exam and says ALS is not indicated, and has ordered an MRI of the brain which he thinks will be negative.
My question is: does this sound like ALS and if it was Bulbar onset, would I be getting the hand and foot cramping so quickly without more extensive bulbar symptoms first (Speech, chewing, facial, tongue strength
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Oct 29, 2003 12:00AM
It is impossible for me to tell you that you have or do not have ALS or stress induced symptoms. Your neurologist who has had the oppurtunity to examine you thinks this is unlikely. I would recommend going through with the MRI, and then if you are still concerned go for a second opinion with a neurologist who specializes in neuromuscular disorders. Sorry I could no tbe of more help. Good luck.
YOU DO NOT HAVE ALS.
If you can wonder whether or not you have it, then you don't have it.