Worried about fasciculations

Hi there

I have been experiencing fasciculations mainly in my thighs for the past 3 weeks. I saw 2 GPs who carried out a few tests and examined my muscle tone and said it would go away but it has not yet ( they did for 3 days but are back). I am physically fit with no muscle weakness etc. My fasciculations occur when i am relaxed ie sitting or lying down. Does this occur in ALS? Or are fasciculations in ALS present at all times? I take good multivitamin supplements containing both calcium magnesium and I exercise 2-3 times a week. Any help with be appreciated as the average waiting time to see a neurologist here in Ireland is 4-6 months.

Thanks

[Capital H]

I can appreciate what you feel about the wait, I am waiting to see a neurologist in the UK, and that is still more than a month off.

In 2004 I saw a neurologist and it took 10 more months before I got the EMG and nerve conduction tests, unbelievable isn't it.

I have had fasciculations since my teens and I am 51 now. They come and go, and sometimes they are more frequent than at other times.

If I have ALS then these fasciculations of mine are not likely to be a primary presenting symptom.

I'd have to be a neurologist to say that you could have benign fasciculations and have ALS as well, I don't know. Nonetheless if you are like me, you always assume the worst first.

I wish I knew what was causing my tongue tremor, because that is a relatively new thing for me.

[Shailendra]

thanks four your reply. the wait to see a neurologist is ridiculous. I would seriously doubt that you have ALS. You say that your fasciculations presented early in your teens? Do you have any muscle wasting?

[Capital H]

I would guess I have some muscle wasting since my teens :)

However it is rather hard to guage in recent times whether muscles are wasting or not, one thing is certain is that my little finger and ring finger on my left hand have never recovered since I first noticed weakness in them in 2004 and lately it seems like the toes on my left foot are going the same way.

I am not sure how much increased muscle fatigue is a sign of atrophy or simply something else which is why I wish I did not have to wait too long to see a neurologist.

I suppose ultimately the only answer to worries about ALS is to wait it out, because if you do have it, there is nothing you can do and it will show itself eventually. However if you do not have it, and the statistical odds are against unless you are really unlucky, having the assurance of a neurologist helps you get on with your life without the worry.

[Shailendra]

I know how you feel. I hate waiting to a see a neurologist. You would think that in 2007 there should be such waits. Muscle loss is normal with age and you say that the muscle twitches started in your teens. I would suspect its BFS which sometimes has similar symptoms. Good luck Mate