sensory symptoms

I have a collection of questions. I am confused. For one,  I am trying to decipher what sensory symptoms are.  I have read on here that ALS does not present with sensory symptoms, yet I have also read on here when a neuro would suggest that when someone said he/she had numbness and tingling, he should see a neuro to rule out more sinister diseases such as ms or als.  Does als have numbness & tingling?  Is numbness and tingling a sensory symptom? I thought things like prickly feelings, hot/cold, numbness, tingling, pain, etc.  were sensory symptoms? Also, is protein in urine something to be concerned about? I have had appointments when I thought I had a uti, but I would not have one, just protein in the urine.  The doctors never seemed concerned. Is this a sign of something more serious?  One more question please, if ALS doesn't affect the eyes, then why would one twitch there? Thank you for your time.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Louise:

ALS is a disease of upper and lower motor neurons.  Motor meaning muscles.  There is not a sensory (pain/temperature/vibration/touch) component.  Numbness is a sensory component as it is the lack (partial)of feeling.  ALS does not give you sensory findings.  However, as MS is a demyelinating central nervous system disease, the demyelination can arise in any area of the brain, both sensory, motor, integration, fine movement etc and therefore give a variety of symtpoms (that is why it can be a difficult disease to diagnose at first).  

Protein in the urine may be benign (not a disease process) or it may be part of a disease process.  I can't which one you have as I do not know the important associated findings.  

I hope I have helped you.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD