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Neurology (Expert Forum)
How to rule it out..
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
How to rule it out..
by Deb12, May 21, 2001 12:00AM
I have muscle weakness in arms and legs, tingling, faciculations, mild dizziness with mild uncoordination. took an MRI of cervical neck, found 3 disks bulging, but told not he reason for symptoms. First emg showed nerve problem to areas correlating to bulging disks..but, as time went on, the symptoms progressed. difficulty with arms..hyperflexia in left leg..swtiching etc. Doctor is going to redo the emg..but i dont think they have a clue.
I am 41 years old,female. and had these symptoms for the past 5 months. Each day i wake up, i keep thinking that this is the day i wont be able to move at all.
How do i rule out als? seems that the mris rule out ms? should i ask for a spinal tap?
I am 41 years old,female. and had these symptoms for the past 5 months. Each day i wake up, i keep thinking that this is the day i wont be able to move at all.
How do i rule out als? seems that the mris rule out ms? should i ask for a spinal tap?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-RPS, May 21, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Debz:
I am sorry to hear about your fasciculation and weakness as I am sure they are causes alot of emotional worry. There is usally, almost always no, NO sensory changes with ALS. One should see a fairly classic EMG of fibrillations and positive sharp waves. There are upper motor and lower motor signs, clinically. One should see muscle atrophy and weakness with hyperreflexia and usually a babinski. There can also be spasticity. Usually the muscle wasting is seen more distally. The EMG and physical exam should rule out ALS (It doesn't sound like classic ALS, as your fasciculations come without muscle wasting). The MRI should help in diagnosing MS, but usually the clinical feature of waxing and waning symptoms, not yet present in you, give the doctor a clear leaning toward MS. See what the MRI shows before doing a spinal tap. I would also check for thyroid function.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
I am sorry to hear about your fasciculation and weakness as I am sure they are causes alot of emotional worry. There is usally, almost always no, NO sensory changes with ALS. One should see a fairly classic EMG of fibrillations and positive sharp waves. There are upper motor and lower motor signs, clinically. One should see muscle atrophy and weakness with hyperreflexia and usually a babinski. There can also be spasticity. Usually the muscle wasting is seen more distally. The EMG and physical exam should rule out ALS (It doesn't sound like classic ALS, as your fasciculations come without muscle wasting). The MRI should help in diagnosing MS, but usually the clinical feature of waxing and waning symptoms, not yet present in you, give the doctor a clear leaning toward MS. See what the MRI shows before doing a spinal tap. I would also check for thyroid function.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
