Hand weakness twitching

[Oldaugie]

Here are the symptoms I've been experiencing . I think that the length of time this has been going on, even though the weakness is progressing, means that

ALS is not a possibility.  

I'm experiencing significant weakness in my left hand and it has been slowly progressing for over 6 months now. In addition to the weakness, I am unable to

lift my fingers individually and am limited on the range of motion of my thumb. I can fully extend or fully close my fingers by using my other hand or

something inanimate to force them into the position and it does not hurt but I am unable to do it with that hand itself. I have no pain and no loss of

sensation in that hand, no tingling or numbness. I do, however, have fasciculations in my left hand and forearm. Occasionally I have strong muscle spasms in

the left forearm.  

In addition over the last couple of months I've noticed that my legs are incredibly stiff when I get up from any chair if I have been sitting for longer than

about 10 minutes. Once I'm moving, the pain/stiffness in my legs goes away.

I have an appointment to see a neurologist in early November.  I there something my regular doctor could test for prior to my visit to the neurologist that

might be helpful? Or that might make the visit to the neurologist more productive?  What could this be?  I think that any nerve impingement would be

accompanied by some pain or change in sensation - am I right about that?  

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

thanks:

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

First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.    
  The symptoms you provide are concerning for possible ALS.  It does generally start in 1 limb with progressive motor weakness and atrophy.  That being said, there are multiple other reasons for motor weakness in the arm (many that are treatable) that should be investigated.  I would start with an MRI of the Brain and Cervical spine with contrast, to evaluate for any structural lesion/stroke that may be contributing.  I would then suggest an EMG study to evaluate for any signs of peripheral nerve damage or changes consistent with ALS.
I hope this has been helpful.

[Oldaugie]

A couple of follow-up items.

1)  Sorry for the extra line breaks in the original posting.
2)  I'm a 50yo female

[texasbelly]

Well I know form experience that fasciculations can be a real annoyance.  I have had fasciculations for over a year now and then I started to notice severe weakness in my right arm.  It was then followed by tingling in both hands and feet.  
I really started to worry when it became cronic and the fatigue set in.  My MRI was normal and I didn't have anything show up in emg or other nerve tests.  I insisted on having a lyme test.  (Thanks to Hikerunner on the site) My doctor didn't want to do one, but he finally agreed.
I'm positive.  I've never had a tick byte or had other symptoms of lyme but if your neurologist hasn't a clue and tells you that anxiety is your problem get a lyme test.  I feel sooooo much better knowing that I have lyme and not ALS or MS.
Just stay positive.

[Jenny Wren]

Texasbelly, I don't know why my post disappeared, I posted this morning to you.  What type of Lyme test did you have, ELISA or Western Blot?  I'm in the process of checking this out also.  I contacted a LLMD I can't get in till Dec 18, 2006.  My elisa was neg, but I have had symptoms for 6 years also. Thank you!!!

[HeatherMarsh]

Found this site this morning and hoping to get some ideas.  I have had moderate to severe twitching in my right eye, right thumb and right index finger for years and it seems to be getting worse.  It never hurts but sometimes out of nowhere my thumb starts twitching and often raises about 1/4 inch without being able to stop, it lasts for about 10 minutes followed by general tingling sensation at the top of my hand extending to the elbow, same with my index finger.  I also get this same twitching in my right eye (although it doesn't lift :) thank goodness) but leaves a tingling sensation in my lips.  Also get the twitching in my right leg and right side of my abdomen.  Any ideas?