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Neurology (Expert Forum)
IS this ALS
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
IS this ALS
by JLK, Jan 05, 2004 12:00AM
I have had a problem with my C6 &C7 disk for a while. 6 months ago, I experienced extreme right chest and tricep atrophy with weakness. After and EMG on that arm (which showed problems mainly relating to the C6 &C7 area), the neurologist feels that it is a disk problem even though it is not herniated but bulged. I have seemed to gain a little of my strength back in that arm, but a month after this I experienced a tight ongoing muscle reflex and soreness from my right groin to my kneecap on the inside of my thigh. Soon after my left leg started the same. Both inside thigh's seem weak. Now I have spotty fasciculations in both legs. My upper thighs and hamstrings feel weak and are sore. Also, my calf muscles are beginning to be sore and it extends into my ankles which are beginning to crack and pop a lot. My toes are beginning to tighten and sometimes feel weak and hurt. The bottom and sides of my feet are sore as well. The joints in my knees seem to hurt more as well. I begin to feel tired in both legs when I stand. Both of my legs seem to be showing the same symptoms in the same places. I have lost about 15lbs in a month and I am really beginning to worry. I have never been sick, so this is really worrying me. I have a slight rash under my left eye and it does twitch noticeably. I promise I am not a hypochondriac and any thoughts you have would be much appreciated.
thanks
thanks
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Jan 05, 2004 12:00AM
Muscle fasciculations and weakness can be signs of ALS (and many other disorders), however you are having prominent pain symptoms as well which would not be typical of ALS. If the cervical spine is narrowed it may produce some of the symptoms in your legs, or perhaps you also have spine disease in your lower spine. Other things which should be evaluated include connective tissue diseases, polymyalgia rheumatica, and other muscle diseases.
You should discuss all of these symptoms with your neurologist and if you wish have a second opinion. If you do obtain a second opinion, I would recommend going to an academic center. Good luck.
You should discuss all of these symptoms with your neurologist and if you wish have a second opinion. If you do obtain a second opinion, I would recommend going to an academic center. Good luck.
