Aa
Benign fasciculations?
Hi,
I have been twitching in both calves (but predominantly the left) for about three weeks.
The twitches are single and sporadic and more or less in the same muscle (they look like someone poking a finger from the inside of my calf)
my questions are as follows:
1.Is there any way of identifying whether a twitch is benign or more suggestive of a motor neurone disease?
2. With no weakness or atrophy, what are the chances of this type of twitch being benign?
3. How far would a good neurologist (without an emg) be able to establish whether twitching was bfs or something more sinister
thank you
I have been twitching in both calves (but predominantly the left) for about three weeks.
The twitches are single and sporadic and more or less in the same muscle (they look like someone poking a finger from the inside of my calf)
my questions are as follows:
1.Is there any way of identifying whether a twitch is benign or more suggestive of a motor neurone disease?
2. With no weakness or atrophy, what are the chances of this type of twitch being benign?
3. How far would a good neurologist (without an emg) be able to establish whether twitching was bfs or something more sinister
thank you
Hi, I have been having muscle twitches for quite some time now. The twitches that I have are in the following areas: Calves, Back, both eyes, thighs, above my left knee, arms and the back part of my knees. This disorder are so annoying. When I get the twitches I get frustrated it annoys me so much. I tried everything to get rid of the twiches but nothing works!!
Hi, I have been having muscle twitches for quite some time now. The twitches that I have are in the following areas: Calves, Back, both eyes, thighs, above my left knee, arms and the back part of my knees. This disorder are so annoying. When I get the twitches I get frustrated it annoys me so much. I tried everything to get rid of the twiches but nothing works!!
Hi, I have been having muscle twitches for quite some time now. The twitches that I have are in the following areas: Calves, Back, both eyes, thighs, above my left knee, arms and the back part of my knees. This disorder are so annoying. When I get the twitches I get frustrated it annoys me so much. I tried everything to get rid of the twiches but nothing works!!
I am a 45 year old single mother/student nurse. I have no medical insurance, so have not been to see a neurologist. I started to have fasciculations in my right calf, which by the next day spread to my left calf, next day to abdomen (occasional ones), finally to my upper arms (again very occaisional). I stared on Advair about a month ago, and have stopped taking that about a day and a half ago. I saw some improvement in the calf twitches last night, but they are more pronounced again today. In regards to earlier coments, I can feel them, they are hard to see since a soon as I look they frequently stop. I have not noticed any muscle weakness, but I am unsure as to what that would entail. I can grip things, haven't stared dropping things or falling, etc. I know I am within the age typically seen, and my grandfather died from ALS which also increases my odds of having it. My questions are:
1. Would ALS fasciculations spread that fast?
2. I only have twitching when the muscles are at rest, is this usual with ALS?
3. Could this be the result of the Advair or stress, (I am indeed very stressed, especially now with these symptoms)
4. I am in the process of trying to get independent insurance, if this is ALS, will I remain asymptomatic enough to avoid diagnosis until that kicks in (usually about two months)?
Thanks in advance for any help offfered, I am totally freaked out about this, and am looking for some encouragement.
1. Would ALS fasciculations spread that fast?
2. I only have twitching when the muscles are at rest, is this usual with ALS?
3. Could this be the result of the Advair or stress, (I am indeed very stressed, especially now with these symptoms)
4. I am in the process of trying to get independent insurance, if this is ALS, will I remain asymptomatic enough to avoid diagnosis until that kicks in (usually about two months)?
Thanks in advance for any help offfered, I am totally freaked out about this, and am looking for some encouragement.
Hi there. I think I might be in the same boat as some of you. I have noticed that my left finger tends to tremble a bit when I am relaxing. I also notice some tightening feelings in my lett shoulder and my let leg. Sometimes when I am sitting and relaxing like watching a movie, I can feel the left die of my body is a bit jittery. I also seem to have mucle twitches all over my body especially my calves. My right finger has started to tremble as well. This has been going on for about 5 or 6 months. I am 30 yrs old and afraid it might be Parkinson's yet I have my sense of smell and i have good balance and my voice is fine. I think it might be ALS and yet there is no weakening or wasting. In fact I feel great besides the tremors and twiches. What could it be???
I just read that with als the twitches are visable. That doc was wrong now im really freaking out.
wmac
wmac
1) fasciculations in the absence of muscle weakness and wasting are unlikely to be from MND
2) very high
3) again as in 1) without muscle weakness and wasting on the neurological exmaination it is very unlikely. EMG can be supportive but would not even be indicated in your case, unless furhter symptoms developed like muscle weakness and wasting or swallowing problems. There are many other causes of fasciculations that are more common than MND.
Good luck
2) very high
3) again as in 1) without muscle weakness and wasting on the neurological exmaination it is very unlikely. EMG can be supportive but would not even be indicated in your case, unless furhter symptoms developed like muscle weakness and wasting or swallowing problems. There are many other causes of fasciculations that are more common than MND.
Good luck
Thanks for that info. I have been reading up on this because I too am worried about als. Also, one doc told me today that they can fell the twitches but not see them. Like sometimes when your eye twitches and drives you crazy but not see it. But I know your info has helped me alot too. Thank you so very much.
wmac
wmac
Julesy,
I've had the problem for years, and have seen a couple of neuros in the process. The first thing a neurologist will do is give you a quick exam: the'll tap around on you with rubber hammers and tuning forks, all kinds of fun stuff. The'll check your strength by pulling on your arms and legs and telling you to resist. A neuro doc may also watch you walk, and check your coordination. The physical exam only takes a few minutes, but the doc can tell a lot about you just by doing those quick tests. If the doc thinks there's a reason to further investigate, or rule out anything, he'll probably want to run an EMG, which is the usual test to rule out things such as ALS.
Here's a few things i've learned in the last several years:
1. The presenting signs of ALS are usually weakness, or trouble with speech/swallowing, not twitches.
2. From what one doc told me, people with ALS get a different kind of fasciculation, most of the time they can't feel the twitching. Sounds as though you can feel your twitches.
3. I don't know your age, but the age group that usually has the highest susceptibility to developing ALS is usually people in their mid 50's on up.
These are just some tidbits of information i've learned in the past from dealing with this problem and seeing a few different docs. Ultimately, your doctor should be the one to diagnose the problem. Hope this helps!
Take care.
I've had the problem for years, and have seen a couple of neuros in the process. The first thing a neurologist will do is give you a quick exam: the'll tap around on you with rubber hammers and tuning forks, all kinds of fun stuff. The'll check your strength by pulling on your arms and legs and telling you to resist. A neuro doc may also watch you walk, and check your coordination. The physical exam only takes a few minutes, but the doc can tell a lot about you just by doing those quick tests. If the doc thinks there's a reason to further investigate, or rule out anything, he'll probably want to run an EMG, which is the usual test to rule out things such as ALS.
Here's a few things i've learned in the last several years:
1. The presenting signs of ALS are usually weakness, or trouble with speech/swallowing, not twitches.
2. From what one doc told me, people with ALS get a different kind of fasciculation, most of the time they can't feel the twitching. Sounds as though you can feel your twitches.
3. I don't know your age, but the age group that usually has the highest susceptibility to developing ALS is usually people in their mid 50's on up.
These are just some tidbits of information i've learned in the past from dealing with this problem and seeing a few different docs. Ultimately, your doctor should be the one to diagnose the problem. Hope this helps!
Take care.
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