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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Worrying sypmtoms (could it be 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
Worrying sypmtoms (could it be ALS?)
by jraymar, Jul 29, 2004 12:00AM
Hello, I am a 24 year old male, always been in fairly good shape but never exercised on a consistent basis. About 2 months ago I began noticing slight muscle fatigue... mostly in legs (quads) and in arms (triceps). I went to my GP who attributed it to stress (I have a stressful job with long hours), but did a CK test anyway. My CK level was around 3200, so I was sent to a rheumatologist becasue I ahve a family history of scleroderma. He did an exam and found no evidence, and my CK level had dropped down to 230. A week later, i returned to the GP for another CK and he confirmed that it was normal. He suggested that a virus had caused the spike in CK. In the 4 weeks since that time, I ahve noticed increasing fatigue all over, but it seems to be a little worse on the left side (I'm right handed). I also ahve noticed a heightened gag reflex at times, and my voice has been hoarse. I sometimes notice problems in pronouncing certain words correctly, and I now feel very shaky all over. I have always been prone to anxiety and nervousness, so I can't tell whether the new symptoms are real orwhether I am simply creating them because I know what the symptoms of ALS are. I ahve also been noticing very slight fasiculations in various spots, and a tightness on the left side of my face (in the cheek bone similar to a cold). I have noticed improve slightly if I avoiced stressful situations, but not a lot. Could this be ALS... should I see neurologist?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Aug 01, 2004 12:00AM
I cannot exclude or diagnose ALS with the information you have provided, but it would be quite unusual at your age. If you are concerned I would recommend a consultation with a neurologist. The elevated CK could have been due to a illness, excercise, or trauma to a muscle. The neurologist can also evaluate causes for this. Good luck.
