Does this sound like it could be ALS?

[froog21]

Hello everyone,

I am worried that I might be having slow onset ALS and I was wondering if others on this forum have had similar symptoms and have found a diagnosis or a way to disprove my ALS worries and get better:

- I have had progressive symptoms over 4 yrs now that started as slight morning stiffness and have increased to constant daily stiffness in my legs mainly.
- I also developed thumping twitches when at rest and then quick wavelike fasciculations in thighs, thumb area and triceps when contracting these muscles
- My calves and feet cramp up often and easily
- Most recently, my jaw started feeling stiff and I am having jaw cramps from time to time when I yawn. In addition, I also have tongue fasciculations
- I also feel very tired all the time and cannot get any sort of refreshing sleep.
- There is slight atrophy in my right hand on the palm side along the pinky finger
- My muscles shake a lot when lifting any heavy weight, I have sever exercise intolerance where I have to rest for a while after some simple tasks like washing a car
- After playing a sport, which is difficult, my hands and feet will shake uncontrollably for a couple of hours
- Muscle wise, I have been going to the gym but I am having trouble putting nay muscle mass on or building resistance
- Lastly, my muscles movements are very ratchety

I have had lots of blood work, MRI and many different tests, including 3 EMGs. There is no explanation so far and I know that the diagnosis of ALS is one of elimination. At this point a lot of things have been eliminated. Doctors are suggesting a let’s wait and see approach but I am feeling quite debilitated as this wait continues.

Thanks, Matt

[skyleopard]

I have had muscle twitches over their last five year, last two years I have been experiencing the feeling of a nine volt battery on my tongue.   These symptoms come and go.  Now I have some difficultly swallowing but no soreness at the moment.
Does anyone else experience this and if so what's it from...Anxiety?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, muscle fatigue, pinched nerve due to wrong posture could be the cause in your case. Try and use the correct posture while sitting and walking and consult a physical therapist regarding some stretch exercises which you can perform to help relieve tension.
If this does not help, then I would suggest you get the blood levels of the following checked if they have not already been checked: potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, vitamin B complex, or vitamins B1, B3, or B6 and Vitamin D. Get your kidney function, parathyroid gland function and adrenal function tests done because these affect the electrolyte balance in the body. Stress, alcohol, caffeine and fatigue all cause similar symptoms. Hence if you take alcohol or coffee then cut this down. Sleep at regular hours and see if it helps. Certain sleep disorders and peripheral nerve disorders due to diabetes, Lyme's, lupus or hypothyroidism can also be the cause. Please discuss these possibilities with your treating doctor. Hope this helps. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.