Benign fascis??? Frightened by ALS

[suzanne L.]

I have had twitching for 5 years now. Throughout that time I have had normal neuro exams - my neuro is the medical director of the ALS Center in San fran, Forbes Norris at California Pacific Medical. I finally had an EMG after 5 years in my right arm and leg only, conducted by him. He said "you are fine". I was still concerned because he did not do any bulbar muscles - the EMG lasted about 30 minutes. he did move the needle around a lot once inside the muscle..he tested about 10 muscles according to the report and noted no abnormality at all.

I started to think it was odd that he did no bulbar muscles, so I had another neuro perform a tongue, neck, masseter and chin EMG on June 23rd. That was clean, too - not even a fascis found. I have a feeling of throat tightness, lump in throat and like I am going to choke but I never do. I also get twitching in the face and neck...not the tongue it seems. This face and neck twitching started in May whereas the rest of my twitching over the years seemed concentrated in limbs, back, body.

A follow up neuro exam by the Medical Director of the MS Center at Cornell in NYC (where I NOW live) last Thursday was normal.

I am still frigthened about ALS...I do want to stop worrying. I just cannot get the fear out.

Do you feel the testing I have had is sufficient enough to put this behind me? Is an EMG like I described typical when the neuro exam in office was totally normal ( 2+ reflexes, no weakness, good tone, good muscle bulk) I am a 39 year old woman with no family history of neurological disease.  Do you suggest anything else to be done?

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

It seems that you have had 3 neurologists at reputable institutions examine you, and have had two EMG's all stating that there is no evidence of ALS. Without seeing you I cannot make a diagnosis, but it seems that ALS has been ruled out. I would suggest working with your neurologist to reassure you. Good luck.

[Craig]

Not after 5 years. You may find some informtion here.

http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=191

[Jack_the_Twitcher]

Susan if Dr. Miller or Dr. Gelinas was the one who evaulatued you, you are in good hands.  Five years is a long time to have to deal with these symptoms.  I know they are no fun.  I am going on five myself and have been through the mill of doctors and tests.  I am sorry you are having these symptoms still.  Have they at least slowed down?  I had really bad cramping and twitching and tons of shaking.  I wish you the best!  The doctor is right about having your neuro encouarage you.  In my case it was the good folks at Braintalk.org that helped me out.  Good day!

[espm4]

Hi, Jack.  Your entry caught my eye because of the shaking.  I started with the twitches just over a year ago (not an anniversary I looked forward to).  But I also shake alot.  I have felt trembling inside, and I really notice it in my hands when I'm picking things up or putting them down.  I get quite shaky if I'm nervous (way more than normal).  Doing any aerobic exercise wipes me out.  Over the last few months I've had some swollen/painful joints.  Have you experienced symptoms like this?

[tacketr65]

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