Re: symptoms of ALS?

Posted By Kelli  on May 08, 1999 at 10:17:23
I have been having muscle twitches since Jan.1999.  In this time I have had muscle pain in my arm (at the elbow) and in my thigh (3 inches above knee)  The muscle twitching has been prett much everywhere.  Recently I have had pain in my palm at the base of my thumb( the meaty section under you thumb, palm side) and pain in my arm at the shoulder, where the arm meets the body.  The pain is hard to describe it's like the muscle in my upper arm is tight, like a string is pulling it, perhaps something like a pulled muscle. The pain in my palm near the base of my thumb is just pain and it does hurt all the time.
I have also had what can best be described as vibrations in my arm.  I can actually feel this when I touch my arm with my other hand.  These vibrations I supppose could be VERY rapid muscle twitches, but it seems more like the feeling you have when you put your hand on a running car.  This sensation has only occured for a short time and only when I am laying down at night.
I have also had a feeling like bubbles from an coming to the surface of pop in my calves and once in my foot, which caused my toe to quiver.
I have had blood test and an MRI nothing has shown up yet.  Doctor says it's stress.I should mention that I am 30 year old female. I do not feel I have any weakness.  I can walk on my toes and heel toes walk. Most of these symptoms are on my left side though the twitch occurs every where.
My question is Are these symptoms of ALS?  What should I be doing next?
Thank you.

[CCF MD mdf]

Posted By CCF MD mdf on May 08, 1999 at 11:17:48
The twitching is, from your description, probably fasciculations. Fascics can indicate nerve damage. Of course, many people think ALS when they see fasciculations, but more commonly there is a different cause. In young people such as yourself, the most likely cause is benign fasciculations - that is, normal.
Fasciculations occur when groups of individual muscle fibers twitch, but the rest of the muscle does not go along in synchrony. The twitch occurs without the command of the nerve - it's just on its own.
Some of the symptoms you have (vibrating, bubbling sensations, etc) are not related to the fasciculations. They are NOT symptoms of ALS, which is a motor disease. In my experience, most people with these symptoms are found to have underlying anxiety. I can't say whether the anxiety is primary (that is, no apparent cause) or secondary (because you are worried about the other symptoms). Many people with anxiety-related symptoms do not experience the usual sensation of anxiety and it may come as a surprise.
Probably the most sensible thing to do is to get yourself checked by a neurologist. That way, any sinister or threatening disorder can be detected if it is there (I don't expect it), and you gain peace of mind if you are given a clean bill of health.
If symptoms persist, ask your family doctor about evaluation and treatment for anxiety symptoms. You should not be made to feel that it's all in your head and blow off the symptoms - if you are uncomfortable, it's worth taking care of it.
I hope this helps. CCF MD mdf.

[Keli__0__0]

Posted By Kelli on May 08, 1999 at 12:43:22
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.  It goes a long way to comforting my fears.  Thank you for sharing your skill and knowledge.

[anonymous-user__0]

Posted By Who Was That Masked Man/Woman?? on May 09, 1999 at 22:05:56
A most thorough, professional and compassionate answer!! Great job, MDF!! Are you taking any patients??

[CF-]

Posted By CCF .. on May 10, 1999 at 12:13:12
Thanks for your kind words. The best part of my job is the opportunity to help people learn about what is happening to them, and it is nice to get feedback that I can get the points across and be understood. I don't think anyone in the department takes patients directly from this source, but I have heard that some people who have used this forum do come in for evaluation in our department. Everyone in the neurology department accepts new patients.
CCF MD mdf.

[Elizabeth__0__0]

Posted By Elizabeth on July 06, 1999 at 16:16:22
Dear Doctor, Just a short message to let you know that I am very appreciative of the responses in which I have received over the past year! I know that there are many different doctors on call and I thank them all for their excellent explanations.  You all are appreciated!  This forum is so far the best on the web. Thanks!  You have been very helpful to me! Elizabeth/Lillabet










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