EMG and Fasics

[sunnygal]

I had yet another EMG done in October.  This time the neuro tested (NCV & EMG) on my left arm, hand, and leg.  Finally, one of the twitches I have been feeling was detected on the EMG (in my left thumb on the inside).  The neuro said it was a fasic, and that was it.  Can I be sure that these fasic's are NOT due to ALS?  If they were ALS related, wouldn't denervation have been present on the EMG, even if the fasics were "hiding?"  My left and right hands have been achy and I have had problems with dexterity for a while now.  Still have the bodywide twitches and stiff left leg.  Now I also have back twitches.  I also have pain in the cervical junction in the back of my neck.  Could this be the root of the hand and arm feelings?  I am stumped!!!  Thanks.

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

With the widespread fasciculations you report, if this was ALS I would have expected signs of denervation on the EMG. But if the EMG was completely normal except for one lone fascic in your thumb and you have no other objective signs of weakness or reflex changes on your exam, then the possibility of ALS is very very unlikely. As you know, fascics are not specific for ALS and can be caused by bad discs in the neck or back, benign fasciculation syndrome or other disease that can irritate the motor neuron. The clinical exam and history are eseential in determining the correct diagnosis. If a bad disc or some kind of neck disease is suspected, pushing on the nerve roots to your arm, then the exam and possibly an MRI of the cervical spine may help in further evaluation. GOod luck.

[billy_bad_boy]

Please Sunnygale you have to belive what the doctor just said!  Please do not fall into the trap so many of us have fallen into.  You do not have ALS!  The EMG would have picked it up!  Sure there are stories about the guy who had 15 clean EMG's and still got it!  I tend to disregard such urban legends but that is just me.  Listen to the doctor and enjoy life!

[dizz]

Sunnygal: are you on any high blood pressure medications like DiovanHCT? or chloresterol lowering medications like NISPAN, I have the same twitches you report and for the past several days they too have been appearing pretty much sproatic but mainly in shoulder and back about the bottom of the ribcage. I assumed these were from side effects of the med's I'm on.  I haven't switched in several months, I could exepect if I'd switch med's dosages, but thats not the case here.

[itwitch]

Check for HPV (warts) on your skin.  Everyone in here will laugh at this comment but for me I know they affect me..  Had 300 fascics per hour starting a year ago MRi, EKG, EMG normal...etc. etc... and have been treating warts on my body and head for past three or so months. (This process can take a litle time as they are very difficult to get rid of) Since treatment began I am down to no fascics or up just a very few (just after treatments)..  Never know...  Give it a look.  You may be sensitized to thes like I feel (hope) I am.   God Bless