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Further Testing?
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MedHelp Member's Question

Further Testing?

by yedwyn, Oct 08, 2004 12:00AM
My situation is:  I suffered with viral like symptoms for several months, including dizziness, fatigue, naseau, chills, etc. Dr. thought infection but antibiotics did nothing.  White count, thyroid, iron all normal.  Muscle twitches started in the third month and I felt weak on left side.  MRI came back normal. Referred to a neuro who ran an emg and gave a diagnosis of cervical radiculitis.  Leg was perfectly normal during exam, only fascics in arm.  My questions are:



1. Does the neuro exam and result effectively rule out something like ALS?



2.  I went to the hospital er with extreme joint pain about a month ago - ana and sed rate came back normal.  My GP says this rules out Lupus and other CTDs - is this correct?



3. Went to GP a week ago for knee pain and was told that my knee joints are "lax"- they continue to be painful but are not swollen or red.  Does this point to Lupus or anothe CTD?



4.  My muscles continue to twitch and sometimes visibly shake for a moment, particularly my bicep - should the emg be redone, should bloodwork be done?  The neuro took no blood at my visit.



5.  I have a history of pins and needles numbness in my hands and feet, periods of flu-like illness and diagnosed Raynaud's syndrome as well as psoriasis. My ANA was "slightly positive" during my pregnancy two years ago but other bloodwork showed nothing.  I am frightened that my Dr. is being unduly resistant to the idea of Lupus.  What further tests would rule out/confirm this disease?



Thank you for your time.  I am a 31 year old mom in need of some help.



-M.C.
Doctor's Answer

by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Oct 11, 2004 12:00AM
Without examining you and taking your history I cannot make an accurate diagnosis. I am not sure how the cervical radiculitis diagnosis was established. However, if the only abnormality is in your left arm, then a diagnosis of ALS cannot be made. I am not a rheumatologist, who specializes in Lupus, but it would be unusual to have a negative sed rate and active lupus. There are other auto-anitbodies which can be checked. They include anti-nuclear, anti-double stranded DNA, and anti-smith to name a few. Perhaps a consultation with a rheumatologist would be good. You should also discuss with the neurologist the change in your muscle symptoms. Good luck.
Member Comments (2)

by mineandours, Oct 28, 2004 12:00AM
Check out Lyme disease. It's often mistaken for Lupus, MS, ALS, Parkinson's and other diseases.  Here's some info to get you started.  (BTW, At the height of my Lyme disease, my ANA was 320 but it's down to 40 now.)  It's a very puzzling disease.  Here's some info to get you started:  (Email me ***@**** if you have questions.)



Head, Face, Neck

Unexplained hair loss

Headaches, mild or severe

Twitching of facial or other muscles

Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy)

Tingling of nose, cheek or face

Stiff or painful neck or creaking

Jaw pain or stiffness

TMJ – sudden onset

Sore throat

Loss of sense of taste

Difficulty Swallowing



Eyes/Vision

Double, blurry or dim vision

Increased floating spots

Pain in eyes, or swelling around eyes

Over sensitivity to light

Flashing lights

Optic neuritis



Ears/Hearing

Decreased hearing in one or both ears

Buzzing or clicking noises in ears

Pain in ears or sound sensitivity

Ringing in one or both ears

Pressure or feeling of fullness in ears



Digestive and Excretory Systems

Diarrhea

Constipation

Irritable bladder (trouble starting, stopping)

Frequent urination that is not normal

Upset stomach (nausea or pain)



Musculoskeletal System

Joint pain or swelling or tenderness

Stiffness of joints, back, neck

Muscle pain or cramps

Bone pain



Respiratory and Circulatory Systems

Shortness of breath, cough

Chest pain or rib soreness

Night sweats or unexplained chills

Heart palpitations or extra beats

Heart blockage



Neurological System

Tremors or unexplained shaking (especially at night)

Burning or stabbing sensations in the body

Weakness or partial paralysis/stroke-like symptoms

Pressure in the head

Numbness in body, tingling, pinpricks

Poor balance, dizziness, difficulty walking

Increased motion sickness

Lightheadedness, wooziness

Sudden jerking of fingers or entire limbs



Psychological well-being

Mood swings, irritability, rage

Unusual depression

Disorientation (getting or feeling lost)

Feeling as if you are losing your mind

Overemotional reactions, crying easily

Too much sleep, or insomnia

Difficulty falling or staying asleep



Mental Capability

Memory loss (short or long term)

Confusion, difficulty in thinking

Difficulty with concentration or reading

Going to the wrong place

Speech difficulty (slurred or slow)

Stammering speech

Forgetting how to perform simple tasks



Females only:

Unexplained menstrual pain, irregularity

Unexplained breast pain, discharge



Males only:

Testicular or pelvic pain



General Well-being

Unexplained weight gain, loss

Extreme fatigue