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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Benign fasciculations?
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Benign fasciculations?
by julesy, Nov 25, 2005 12:00AM
Hi,
I have been twitching in both calves (but predominantly the left) for about three weeks.
The twitches are single and sporadic and more or less in the same muscle (they look like someone poking a finger from the inside of my calf)
my questions are as follows:
1.Is there any way of identifying whether a twitch is benign or more suggestive of a motor neurone disease?
2. With no weakness or atrophy, what are the chances of this type of twitch being benign?
3. How far would a good neurologist (without an emg) be able to establish whether twitching was bfs or something more sinister
thank you
I have been twitching in both calves (but predominantly the left) for about three weeks.
The twitches are single and sporadic and more or less in the same muscle (they look like someone poking a finger from the inside of my calf)
my questions are as follows:
1.Is there any way of identifying whether a twitch is benign or more suggestive of a motor neurone disease?
2. With no weakness or atrophy, what are the chances of this type of twitch being benign?
3. How far would a good neurologist (without an emg) be able to establish whether twitching was bfs or something more sinister
thank you
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Dec 03, 2005 12:00AM
1) fasciculations in the absence of muscle weakness and wasting are unlikely to be from MND
2) very high
3) again as in 1) without muscle weakness and wasting on the neurological exmaination it is very unlikely. EMG can be supportive but would not even be indicated in your case, unless furhter symptoms developed like muscle weakness and wasting or swallowing problems. There are many other causes of fasciculations that are more common than MND.
Good luck
2) very high
3) again as in 1) without muscle weakness and wasting on the neurological exmaination it is very unlikely. EMG can be supportive but would not even be indicated in your case, unless furhter symptoms developed like muscle weakness and wasting or swallowing problems. There are many other causes of fasciculations that are more common than MND.
Good luck
I've had the problem for years, and have seen a couple of neuros in the process. The first thing a neurologist will do is give you a quick exam: the'll tap around on you with rubber hammers and tuning forks, all kinds of fun stuff. The'll check your strength by pulling on your arms and legs and telling you to resist. A neuro doc may also watch you walk, and check your coordination. The physical exam only takes a few minutes, but the doc can tell a lot about you just by doing those quick tests. If the doc thinks there's a reason to further investigate, or rule out anything, he'll probably want to run an EMG, which is the usual test to rule out things such as ALS.
Here's a few things i've learned in the last several years:
1. The presenting signs of ALS are usually weakness, or trouble with speech/swallowing, not twitches.
2. From what one doc told me, people with ALS get a different kind of fasciculation, most of the time they can't feel the twitching. Sounds as though you can feel your twitches.
3. I don't know your age, but the age group that usually has the highest susceptibility to developing ALS is usually people in their mid 50's on up.
These are just some tidbits of information i've learned in the past from dealing with this problem and seeing a few different docs. Ultimately, your doctor should be the one to diagnose the problem. Hope this helps!
Take care.
wmac
wmac
1. Would ALS fasciculations spread that fast?
2. I only have twitching when the muscles are at rest, is this usual with ALS?
3. Could this be the result of the Advair or stress, (I am indeed very stressed, especially now with these symptoms)
4. I am in the process of trying to get independent insurance, if this is ALS, will I remain asymptomatic enough to avoid diagnosis until that kicks in (usually about two months)?
Thanks in advance for any help offfered, I am totally freaked out about this, and am looking for some encouragement.