emg questions and advice

i had a clean emg six months ago along with a complete neuro exam.  i went cause i have had random/various twitches on my body for about 4 years.  i started getting some hand pain too so i went to the neuro.  he said my emg was clean but showed maybe mild carpal tunnel on the nerve conduction test.  he also thinks i might have overuse or tendinitis in my hands since i golf and lift weights a lot.  it does not stop me from doing anything.  my emg was done on my feet, legs, hands, arms, back and neck.  i have actually felt better in these past six months too (less twitching).  i have high anxiety/stress issues that i notice can bring twitching.   i have a couple of questions.  i went in for my follow up (six months later) and he said to do another emg either now or in six months as a follow up.  is this normal procedure?  should i ask for a tongue emg or is the back of the neck a good indicator for bulbar onset?  i am so fearful of this disease (als) and getting another test done.  would i need another test in six months again?  thanks for any input or info. about emgs or als.  thanks!

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

I do not think you should be worrying about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a motor neuron disease, often manifesting as weakness and fasciculation. You have twitching which increases with anxiety. This suggests benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS). The main concern is the twitching. Take steps to reduce stress and anxiety and the twitching will reduce.

Regards

[ny2125]

what about the tongue emg?  would the needle stick in the back of the neck region be good enough or does the tongue have to have the test?  doesnt bulbar usually come later in the disease?  any proof that household chemicals or lawn fertilizers can cause als?  sometimes when i am stressed i feel like i slur or fumble over words.  sorry so many questions!  thanks again.

[ny2125]

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