Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Early ALS symptoms
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
Post a Question Back to Forum
MedHelp Member's Question

Early ALS symptoms

by sbennes, Dec 13, 2005 12:00AM
Hello all-



I am a 35 yr old male. I have been having some very concerning neurological phenomnea that I would like to have examined.  These symptoms begain approx. two weeks ago. Specifically, fasiculations in legs, feet and at times, other parts of the body.  Simultaneously, I have  a subjective feeling of weakness in the right leg: somedays it seems to involve the entire leg, sometimes just the quads and at others, the calf muscle only.  Curiously, this feeling of "weakness" also presents when my leg is at rest and not being used. I have done all the crazy hyperchondriac tests for strength such as squats, calf raises, etc. but there appears to be no objective appreciation in differences of strength. There seems to be no gait disturbance either.



To further mix up the picture, I have had the same feeling of "weakness" and associated twitches in the rt. leg 9 monthes ago which resolved after a week or so.  Even more mysteriously, two yrs. ago I was  experiencing many fasiculations, myoclonus in the rt. leg and positve Babinski (which was later negative on another exam) and "weakness" in rt. leg.  This, too resolved over a period of time.



Can one experience sensations of weakness in different, alternating aspects of the leg, even when at rest?  Does the ALS pt. initially notice sensations of weakness or do they notice subtle changes in wieght bearing activity?



Does the above presentation sound like a progressive neuromuscular disease like ALS?

Thanks for your time.
Doctor's Answer

by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Dec 15, 2005 12:00AM
The answer is no, although I cannot give a clinical diagnosis ovcer the internet, and you should have your exam findings confirmed by your local neurologist



Fasciculations are common and usually benign, due to a hyperactive thyroid gland, a benign syndorome, pinched nerves or just related to cold or exercise. In the absence of objective muscle weakness or wasting it is very unlikely to be ALS. Also, the widepread and aternating nature would suggest a benign form, quite common in your age group and not really mysterious!



Good luck
Member Comments (40)

by timetowinarace, Dec 13, 2005 12:00AM
You'll want the Doc's input but right off the bat you should not really consider ALS. Your too young statistically. ALS hits more often after 50. ALS can begin in many ways but an episode two years ago that has been gone for a considerable amount of time isn't very consistant with the usual progression. A reasonable amount of muscle twitching should be considered normal for most of us. I would look towards a pinched nerve, or a spinal colomn problem putting pressure on your spinal cord, or a peripheal neuropathy. At any rate, if you feel that your symptoms are progressing, you should be monitored by a physician to get an answer as early as possible.

by wmac, Dec 13, 2005 12:00AM
I have gone through alot the archives and read als quesions. I was also wondering when they say twitching without weakness or muscle wasting are they talking about weakness that doesnt get better or comes and goes or comes and stays??? The doc replied to me that twitching without muscle weaknes is not als, but I did say I had some weakness in my hand twice this last summer but it got better! mmmm!!! Also the doc told me that widespread twicthing usually is not als. But one person said the same thing and the doc did not say that to him. One of the questions he replied to that this person had  what sounded like symptoms of als and that he should be checked out then I have read many of questions with similar symptoms and then the doc says it doesnt sound like als! Im a bit confused. I would just really like to know what the order of symptoms usually are. Weakness, do they mean like not being able to use the limb at all or tiredness, or stiffness pain, is pain associated with als? When they say it usually affects a hand or foot first do they mean hand literally or just fingers or the whole hand and fingers? Im just really confused I just would like some answers because im also freaking out here about my symptoms.

wmac

by motheroftwo, Dec 14, 2005 12:00AM
Ive had als for over 5 yrs since I was 22 yrs old, believe me symptoms DO NOT improve period!



Als is a progressive disease it doesnt get better, the answers to 99% of your questions can be obtained from searching the net.

by snoopy_301, Dec 14, 2005 12:00AM
Hope you find the answers you're looking for.  I can tell you that I share most of all your symptoms and they do not know what it is.  I was physically active and then one day my foot (rt) began to ache - then both feet - then my calves, quads, hamstrings.  I also have tingling in all of these areas and at times muscle twitchig.  I now have weakness and my rt. knee is bending back further and I was told this is due to the weakening of my leg muscles.  I've had MRI's of my brain, spine and two EMG's and a lot of blood tests.  One EMG showed a minor thing going on in only one muscle so the dr's. dismissed it.  All I know is this began SUDDENLY approx. 4 months ago - I am a 39 yr. old female and before this I was healthy and very active.  At times I do feel the buzzing and sensations on my face, arme, etc...., but I think that might be due to anxiety - because after such a long time, I must admit, this is really wearing on my emotions.  I am frstrated, hurting and am scared.  Again - good luck to you.

by wmac, Dec 14, 2005 12:00AM
To: Motheroftwo
I am really really sorry that you do have ALS. How rare for you to of been diagnosed at such a young age. How are you doing with it?? May I ask what your symptoms were to begin with and how long it took for you to be diagnosed? As you can see there are many and many of us here with a few things going on and we are all freaking out and dont know what to do. My prayers are with you.

wmac

by calvo, Dec 15, 2005 12:00AM
Hi all ,



Im a 38 year old male and am a racing cyclist . Three months ago I noticed twitching/fasciculation in my right quadracep . I'd had this before just like most people do from time to time so decided to put it out of my mind . It lasted for over a week so I went to my doctor and he assured me it was nothing to worry about . I then had some minor fasciculations all over my body for the next 3-4 weeks and went to see a neurologist who also assured me that I was fit and healthy . I have no weakness and am still able to cycle upto 120kms without a rest . I guess that suggests that I'm healthy . However , about a month ago I developed a bizarre "cold water sensation" mainly on my legs but sometimes on the upper parts of my body (inside upper arms and between shoulder blades) that only lasts a couple of seconds .

Am very curious as to what this is and am getting scared about potential CNS problems. Am seeing my neuro again today but he thinks Im a hypochondriac . I just want one question answered.........If I had ALS or MS would I be able to cycle 300kms a week without difficulty ? Your answers would be very much appreciated . Nick .

by wmac, Dec 15, 2005 12:00AM
To: pasty10
what is the typical als?

wmac

by motheroftwo, Dec 15, 2005 12:00AM
To: calvo
"If I had ALS or MS would I be able to cycle 300kms a week without difficulty ?"



It would solely depend on what type of als onset you had & if you was in the very early stages of als, it would be possible to cycle 300Kms.



I can cycle (indoor exercise bike) 15 miles in 20 mins, my upper body is weaker than my lower.



I'm Not a Dr, but it doesn't sound like you have als, one major tell tale sign is also very brisk reflexes.

by wmac, Dec 15, 2005 12:00AM
To: motheroftwo
I cannot figure out how to get to your site I dont understand URL is not used.

wmac