Re: Should I see a neurologist?

Posted By Karen on July 08, 1999 at 09:52:17
I'm 44 years old and have been generally healthy all my life except for asthma, which is mild and well controlled. In January I had a virus which lasted for weeks...flu-like symptoms with a cough and horseness. Following this viral episode, I began to experience muscle twitches, mostly in my feet and calves. I then started having cramps in my feet. After about two months of these symptoms, they began to subside. The twitches are now mostly at night and very mild. The cramps come and go and are not terribly painful or bothersome. I saw my PCP a month ago because of the continuing cough and intermittent hoarseness. I told him about the twitching. He did some blood work including CK and it was fine, although I have iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, I have GERD, a condition my doctor says is strongly associated with asthma. I have never had problems actually swallowing but for years have had coughing and throat-clearing after I eat.I am concerned now beacuse I have minor speech changes....not slurring but some difficulty pronouncing certain consonants. It is not noticable to others so I'm not sure what this means. Obviously I am concerned about neuromuscular diseases and would like to know if the symptoms are consistent with ALS , MS or other neurological problems. I have no real muscle weakness, still walk on a treadmill daily, lift weights etc. Should I see a neurologist???

[CCF Neuro[P] MD RPS]

Posted By CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS on July 08, 1999 at 17:33:25
Dear Karen:
Sorry to hear about your muscle cramps and fasciculations.  There is an entity called benign fasciculations which occurs in some patients after a viral illness.  However, it occurs without the viral preceding illness.  These are muscle contractions that occur on their own (the definition of fasciculations).  There is also cramping(synchronized fasciculations).  As long as there is no muscle weakness there is no ALS.  No one is sure, but there does not seem like there is any increase in the percentage of patients with benign fasciculations and ALS down the line.  So, although you are uncomfortable, it is not serious.  If it really bothers you, it is often good to hear from a face to face encounter with a neurologist that you have something benign than from someone over the internet.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD  










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