ALS,Psychogenic or Other

[antbon]

ALS Symptoms or Psychogenic?

Mid July during a period of stress I developed a Globus Sensation in my throat. I focused on my throat, conscious frequent swallowing, and developed a minor swallowing difficulty - saliva was hardest to swallow and sometimes small particles of food remain in my throat. It waxes and wanes but never feels perfect.ENT visit and scoping was negative. Focused on ALS and have developed other symptoms (beginning of Sept at the same time I started Zoloft. I think the drug contributed to the sypmtoms but when I came off 3 weeks later the symptoms stayed. I was on Zoloft for 3 weeks, 50 MG a day and ended cold turkey), including action tremor with light muscle contraction in my lips, tremor in my tongue when I lightly press it against my teeth, and occasional oral myoclonus (tongue, jaw lips) . No faciculations in my tongue. I have a history (over 14 years) of benign faciculations mostly in my legs but all over as well. They come and go. I have since developed slight muscle cramping and vague pain in my hands and feet, day and night, onset all at once. No noticable weakness face, oral or otherwise; run 5 miles and work out with weights.

I am currently on 1.5 mg of Kolonopin daily.

Neuro (without knowledge of cramping yet) has done exam and says ALS is not indicated, and has ordered an MRI of the brain which he thinks will be negative.

My question is: does this sound like ALS and if it was Bulbar onset, would I be getting the hand and foot cramping so quickly without more extensive bulbar symptoms first (Speech, chewing, facial, tongue strength

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

It is impossible for me to tell you that you have or do not have ALS or stress induced symptoms. Your neurologist who has had the oppurtunity to examine you thinks this is unlikely. I would recommend going through with the MRI, and then if you are still concerned go for a second opinion with a neurologist who specializes in neuromuscular disorders. Sorry I could no tbe of more help. Good luck.

[antbon]

I am a 49 year old male. Right now my swallowing is close to normal.

[Craig]

I'm not a doctor, so I don't have to cover my gluteus.
YOU DO NOT HAVE ALS.
If you can wonder whether or not you have it, then you don't have it.

[antbon]

Thanks for your analysis. Understand you cannot make a definitive diagnosis. Was looking for some insight on the presentation of my symptoms and if they are or aren't consistant with ALS.

[empirepd]

As another non-doctor, but one who had an ALS scare earlier this year, I suggest going to a neuromuscular specialist that can do an EMG on you. My neurologist told me that they will see tale-tell signs of ALS in an EMG even before the patient notices any symptoms. Good luck.