Worrying sypmtoms (could it be ALS?)

[jraymar]

Hello, I am a 24 year old male, always been in fairly good shape but never exercised on a consistent basis. About 2 months ago I began noticing slight muscle fatigue... mostly in legs (quads) and in arms (triceps). I went to my GP who attributed it to stress (I have a stressful job with long hours), but did a CK test anyway. My CK level was around 3200, so I was sent to a rheumatologist becasue I ahve a family history of scleroderma. He did an exam and found no evidence, and my CK level had dropped down to 230. A week later, i returned to the GP for another CK and he confirmed that it was normal. He suggested that a virus had caused the spike in CK. In the 4 weeks since that time, I ahve noticed increasing fatigue all over, but it seems to be a little worse on the left side (I'm right handed). I also ahve noticed a heightened gag reflex at times, and my voice has been hoarse. I sometimes notice problems in pronouncing certain words correctly, and I now feel very shaky all over. I have always been prone to anxiety and nervousness, so I can't tell whether the new symptoms are real orwhether I am simply creating them because I know what the symptoms of ALS are. I ahve also been noticing very slight fasiculations in various spots, and a tightness on the left side of my face (in the cheek bone similar to a cold). I have noticed improve slightly if I avoiced stressful situations, but not a lot. Could this be ALS... should I see  neurologist?

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

I cannot exclude or diagnose ALS with the information you have provided, but it would be quite unusual at your age. If you are concerned I would recommend a consultation with a neurologist. The elevated CK could have been due to a illness, excercise, or trauma to a muscle. The neurologist can also evaluate causes for this. Good luck.