Re: contraction fascics/ALS?

Posted By Frederick on November 12, 1998 at 12:43:00:

In Reply to: Re: contraction fascics/ALS? posted by CCF Neuro MD* on November 08, 1998 at 12:51:34:






Hi, I have a question about fascics.  Please tell me how regular fasics are different from "contraction fascics".  I have both and have had them for three years.  I am concerned about the "contraction fascics".  when I tighten a muscle, I sometimes will get a twitch in that muscle after I relax it.  Is this more of an indication of ALS twitches rather than benign?  Can benign fascics cause fingers and toes to move also? I have had no other changes in three years.  Please help.
Dear John,
Contraction fasiculations aka "benign fasciulations" typically occur only after contraction of a muscle and are not associated with weakness or atrophy of the muscles.  Yes, this is different from ALS fasics, in which the fasics arise spontaneously in various muscle groups. The muscles are weak and atrophied. ALS is a progressive disorder, that is, symptoms continue to develop over time.  If you have had fasics for 3 years without any additional signs or symptoms this is probably not ALS and most likely representative of the benign varient. Good Luck.
Thank you fro your explanation.  I understand weakness, but what exactly is atrophied muscles and what would they appear like?  also I get BOTH contraction fadscics and spontaneious.  Any conern after three years with still no other symptoms?