Muscle cramps could this be a symptom of als

I am really worried about ALS!  Do the symptoms match. I am from Guam and read that there is a form of ALS called Guamanian ALS.  Can you tell me more about this form.  I was born in 1974 and moved out the the US in 1980. I have never eaten bat in my life... no one in my family has ALS. I have been having pain in my fingers and big toes on and off for about 7 months.  The pain usually last for 2 weeks and then disappers... and comes back two months later.  In addition to pain in my fingers and toes I have pain in my buttocks legs and arms.  This time around the pain is worse in my hands and now I am getting muscle spasms in my arms and neck. My legs and arms feel heavy at times. Sometimes my whole body feels stiff.  I had and elevated ESR of 56 in March.  I was referred to a Rheumatologist.  She did an office exam and told me to retest in a month or so since I was not having pain at the time.  Went to My Pcp and he retested ESR and was 48.  He wants to do and Mri of brain and spine.  I am worried that I could have a horrible disease like ALS.  DO my symptoms match.  HELP!  I'm sooooooo scared.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I am not familiar with Guamanian ALS.

Pain in the fingers and toes can be caused by a number of neurologic conditions.  Peripheral neuropathy, B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, and a pinched nerve can all be considered.  Obtaining an EMG as well as a spinal MRI to evaluate for central nervous lesions can be considered.

An elevated ESR is non-specific, and can be caused by infection or rheumatological diseases.  An ANA level can be done to rule this out.  

If ALS is suspected, nerve conduction studies, an EMG, as well as an MRI can all be considered.

I would discuss these questions with a neurologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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