Primary Lateral Sclerosis

[biowham]

Hi, Dr. Kantor--

First, I'm amazed that I can get a question in. Weird.

Anyway...my neuro recently decided maybe PLS for me and is sending me to Methodist in Houston to their neuro folks there. My question is, I have Lhermitte's and some buzzing-zapping-type paresthesias. Wouldn't that kind of help rule out PLS? I can see why he thinks that--got a lot of UMN signs, but...what about those paresthesias, that Lhermittes? Oh...also have a waddling gait and normal EMG except for sharp waves in right limb and half-CMAPs on right. Am weak, however, on left arm and both legs. Hyperreflexia, Hoffmans, reflex spread, etc.

Thanks!
Biowaddles

[Dr. Daniel Kantor, MD]

There may be more than one thing going on such as degenerative disc disease.

Upper Motor Neuron symptoms should be motor symptoms.

[biowham]

To be more direct: Do you see paresthesias with strictly UMN diseases?

[Dr. Daniel Kantor, MD]

It sounds like your neurologist is thinking about potential diagnoses and trying to rule them out. Your neurologist sounds like a good doctor and we all hope that your symptoms will soon be explained.

[biowham]

That should be "sharp positive waves in right UPPER limb." Legs appear normal on EMG; hips a "little sharp" but still in normal range.

Bio