als

I have tingling throughout my body. My left leg feels weak,  my balance is off. I also have tingling numbeness in my head.  I recently had an MRI of my neck because my upper back -shoulder blade was killing me and my arm hurt.The results showed i have mild modeate cervical stenosis and severe forminal stenosis c5-c6 and two bulging disks. I had a MRI which the physiatrist said was normal ( no pinched nerve) and suggested I get an epidural shot since he believes my problems, including my leg, arm shoulder are a result of my cervical stensois, rather than a pinche nerve.

In the back of my head though I keep thinking that the tingling is ALS. because I have weakness and a mild cramping.achy feeling  in my leg. My fiance died of ALS and I am beginning to think that perhaps I caught it through intimate relations. Do you think a physiatrist reads an EMG in the same way a neurologist reads it. Are they looking for different things (pinched nerve vs. nerve or muscle damage due to ALS??? Should I see a neurologist or am I being ridicoulus thinking I have or caught ALS?

[Pixiangelj]

Hi there,

After much reading, the causes of ALS are not known. The suspected cause is genetic. In cervical stenosis, there a myriad of problems that result. These range from decreased range of motion in your neck, to bladder problems. I gave you an article to read. I am not a dr., and I am not dismissing your concerns, if you want to persue this, then I support you. But just make sure you understand what condition you have, and the variety of symptoms it causes before you begin to worry about something you shouldn't. Let me know what you think?

http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/neurosurgery/csten.cfm

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

ALS is not transferred by intimate contact, so you shouldn't worry about getting the disease that way. It would be very premature to consider a diagnosis of ALS just based on your symptoms.

The spinal stenosis as well as disc bulging (disc herniation) could possibly cause some of the symptoms you are experiencing.

It would be advisable to consult a neurologist at the earliest possible time to completely evaluate your condition and help you manage your symptoms.

Good luck.