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Neurology (Expert Forum)
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
ALS
by jgaer, Jan 05, 2005 12:00AM
I have had fasiculations for over six months. They have calmed down quite a bit and now are mostly in the arch of my feet and calves. I have had 2 normal neurological exams and a clean emg on the affected leg, foot, arm and paraspinal area after the 4th month of the symptoms.
I'm 37 years old and still exercise daily along with running and biking.
I have been consumed with the fear of ALS now for 6 months. After the testing do you think I'm in the clear for now?
I'm 37 years old and still exercise daily along with running and biking.
I have been consumed with the fear of ALS now for 6 months. After the testing do you think I'm in the clear for now?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Jan 07, 2005 12:00AM
I cannot confirm that you have ALS or not, as I have not evaluated you personally
In general, fasciculations in the absence of muscular weakness or atrophy (wasting) are benign/not ALS
Fasciculations can be caused by a variety of conditions, not just ALS, such as nerve root or peripheral nerve compression, in association with cramps as a benign condition, and in normal people as a response to cold, exercise, fatigue, or certain medications, or certain viral infections of the lower motor neuron (in the spinal cord). Benign fasciculations tend to be more widespread.
If you have a normal exam and EMG, you do not meet formal criteria for the diagnosis of ALS at this time
If you would like a second opinion, Dr. Erik Pioro at the Cleveland Clinic ALS Center would be able to help, if you are in the area.
PW
In general, fasciculations in the absence of muscular weakness or atrophy (wasting) are benign/not ALS
Fasciculations can be caused by a variety of conditions, not just ALS, such as nerve root or peripheral nerve compression, in association with cramps as a benign condition, and in normal people as a response to cold, exercise, fatigue, or certain medications, or certain viral infections of the lower motor neuron (in the spinal cord). Benign fasciculations tend to be more widespread.
If you have a normal exam and EMG, you do not meet formal criteria for the diagnosis of ALS at this time
If you would like a second opinion, Dr. Erik Pioro at the Cleveland Clinic ALS Center would be able to help, if you are in the area.
PW
I get twitches other places too. The Osu Doc says it is Beningn Fasiculation Syndrome. I am still trying to believe this, just remember, Doctors can't predict the future. Enjoy each day you have and hope for the best. But I would love to hear the Dr's opionon from this forum as well! ]
Best of luck,
Donna
When this first started with me, I just knew I had something that was going to kill me in a year! After having symptoms now for about 6-9 months that have changed somewhat, but have not gotten any worse, I am at a place where I believe that what I have is a benign condition, but a pain in the ***! It took me a while to get here though. Maybe the stories on the website can help you too.
Caroline
http://nextination.com/aboutbfs/forums/viewtopic.php?t=203
[Apologies if you read these next two paras in my earlier note, but...]
Couldn't help but notice your mention of exercise. Many of us have observed (we think) an apparent, possible, association between BFS and a fitness oriented lifestyle, and conjectured that something associated with that lifestyle, like resistance training, weight loss, low carb diets, or protein supplements (that last is my bet) was the trigger. Why don't you log in to aboutbfs.com and add your story to the mix?
Mine: twitching 24/7 (2/sec in legs 1/10secs elsewhere) for c. 1.5 years. Also very substantial soreness, stiffness, as well as some "buzzing" and other strange sensations. Neuro exam by senior neuro at major teaching hosptial (after 1 year): normal. EMG: "normal except for fasciculations". Diagnosis: BFS. Best guess as to something that might have caused it: at the time of onset I was, at 52, engaged in a very intense diet, workout, resistance training and protein powder supplementation regimen.
Or then again maybe it was the new mouthwash...;)
Do look in at aboutbfs.com.