ALS / EMG Questions

[GGKK]

Hello Doctor! Thank you for answer my question. I am 29 y/o male very scared with the onset symptoms of ALS. Since last May I noticed fasciculation in my body. The first one was in my right leg during whole day. Following that until today I had widespread fasciculations that occured dayly but not frequently (sometimes in leg, neck, throat, abdomen, arms, back...). I went in 2 neurologists specialized in neuromuscular diseases . Both said me that I am healthy. The clinical exams were normal (reflexes, no weakness, no atrophy). I did 2 EMG´s (4 limbs each one - 12 muscles sampled). The first one was in May. The results were 100% normal. After persisted a lot with my neurologist because he said me that was unecessary I did another one last week. The results was normal too but he found rares fasciculations (no fibrillations, no positive waves, no denervation, no signs of problems in nerves). I am very scared and thinking it a lot whole day. I know nothing is 100% but what is your conclusion. The questions are:
1) The symptoms are onset of ALS ?
2) Is it easy to doctors identify atrophy and really weakness in clinical exams ?
3) With the clinical exams and the results of 2 EMGs, can I remain relax and sleep well ? Is it possible to be ALS onset ?
4) The fasciculations found in the last EMG are reason for worry me ?
5) If you were me, what would you do ?
Thank you very much !

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

Rare fasciculation potentials on EMG may be entirely normal especially in the absence of fibs. All the other data suggest you do not have ALS, and you do not need further EMGs unless you developed objective weakness or muscle wasting.  

Atrophy and weakness when tested by a good neurologist are easily detectable.

I would try to get on with life!!

Good luck

[ramonaj]

The doctor has already answered your questions in another post (Worried about ALS! by HELP on August 25, 2005).  As only two questions per day are allowed on this board, please refrain from asking duplicate questions, using a different name.  

Ramona

[GGKK]

I've read the post on 08/25/2005. Sorry, I know my post seems similar but my doubts are others. Best wishes !

[ramonaj]

Well, since you insist this is a separate question, but it is so very similar to the one on 8-25, you could read the replies to the previous post.  They all apply here, too, including the doctor's comments.

[saras_daughter]

my Mother has ALS, bulbar onset, and I understand how confusing this can be for anyone involved in this.

I am sorry you have this disease.


I would love to hear from others with bulbar onset ALS as to what to expect from Mom.

she was dx July 2004, PEG Dec 2004, limb onset Aug. 2005, possible lung problem onset Sept. 2005

I say possible because I am still trying to learn more about breathing problems & what to expect....


I wish you the best, & hope that you are taking the opportunity to get a great support system started now.

[GGKK]

I am sorry very much your mother has Bulbar ALS.

But, why do you think I have Bulbar ALS ?

All the best for you.