Worried about symptoms...although EMG is clean.

[tarrigo]

Hey All,



I am a 25 yr. old male.  Have had muscle twitching, feelings of weakness, and what I thought was muscle atrophy (the doctors and EMG disproved that) since the beginning of September.  On November 9th, I had a neurological exam and EMG.  This was two months after symptoms began.  I am fearing ALS, but my EMG and neurological exam were clean.  My doctor and neuro say benign fasiculation syndrome.



I have a few questions that I am seeking answers for:

1.  Considering that I had an EMG two months into my symptoms, does my clean result rule out ALS?

2.  After 3+ months of symptoms, if my problems were related to ALS wouldn't I have shown some more progressive weakness now?

3.  Doesn't a clean EMG, done at the time symptoms were present, rule out ALS or other disease processes involving motor neurons?



This is consuming my life and I want to move on.  I am currently on Lexapro for anxiety.  Any feedback is greatly appreciated!



Thanks so much,



Tony

[tarrigo]

One more question.  Doesn't the EMG detect denervation of the muscles?  Isn't that why the test is performed?



Tony

[FloridaSunshine]

I found this site

allexperts.com  Its free

[tarrigo]

That website is not working.  Anyone have any input?

[ihatepvc's]

ALS progresses pretty quickly. By now you would be seeing additional significant symptoms. Rest assured you do NOT have it. It just doesn't start this way. Enyoy your holidays, okay? Celebrate that you are going to live :)

[meikman]

I am by no means an expert on the subject of ALS but from what I have gather I would say "yes" to all of your questions.  From reading all of your posts I would have to say that you have a better chance of getting kidnapped by Bin Landen then dieing of ALS.  



I have looked at ALS some because of the symptoms that I am having and am looking for some answers.  I was but on Neurontin about 2 weeks ago after the Dr said that I have a neurapathy and at first it really relieved a lot of the pain but my legs are still weak and it is nearly impossible for me to walk without leaning onto something.  I go for an EMG on the 27th. and not sure what exactly they are looking for.  I myself am not worried about ALS but what I understand is that when someone (which is really rare) does have symptoms that they are well into the first year of having the disease therefore if you go and have an EMG the next day after noticing any weakness or twitching or anything else it will show up on the test.



I don't know how one would fell the weakness but it is progressive and that it would take several years to fell it in many different body parts.  I would suggest to you that you try working out.  I don't know what the level of strength that you are at or comfrontable with but start there, if you can only arm curl 2 lbs then do that.  Take small steps and see if after about  a month that you don't notice an improvement on your health.  You could try joining a gym and you just might notice some increase of strength.  I know for myself I am getting a good used treadmill and my goal is to work up to 10,000 steps a day because my biggest fear is that I am going to end up in a wheelchair and I am only 38.  



Do you have a girlfriend/boyfriend?  If so then concentrate on having fun with her/him at this wonderous time of the year, if not go out have fun and try to find a sinfignant other, it'll give you something else to think about.  This would also be a good time to get involved in whatever religion you are it might just bring you some peace in your heart so that these health concerns that you are having will stop overtaking you.

[tarrigo]

Thanks.  I am a member of a gym and up till September was running about 3 miles a day  5 times a week.  I am in grad school now so going to the gym is difficult.  My classes end thsi week, and I am planning on getting back into my old routine.  



When I go to the gym now, I can still run around 2 miles and do pushups and sit ups.  



With a clean EMG and my ability to do all the normal things in life...is it safe to say I am ok?

[meikman]

If you are running 2 miles and doing push-ups I would say that you are doing better than the average person.  It is very safe to say that you are Ok.  So now it is time to relax and enjoy life as you are to have some time off from school.  Grad school along will give you enough to stress about.  What is your major?

[tarrigo]

I am going for my MBA and working full-time.  I am also recently married.  I know that these things can cause stress.  



Have you ever heard of someone having a clean EMG later going on to develop ALS?  Wouldn't symptoms such as twitching, weakness, etc, be a result of denervation?  And doesn't the EMG test for denervation?



Tony

[meikman]

What I understand is that even mild denervation will show on an EMG.  I just don't understand how.  I believe that the most common symptom is pain and maybe weakness and later in the disease twitching but that might depend on the disease or the cause of the denervation.  Many things cause denervation though.  



Since your EMG is clean (I understand this is a test for several different alliments) then you simply do not have ALS and the chances that you will end up with it is extermely unlikely.  I haven't read or heard of anyone to have had a clean EMG to later develop ALS.



It sounds like you have a lot to live for and you are going to do just that so go live life and enjoy.  Take your wife out for a movie and dinner tonight and tell yourself that when the first beginning thought comes to you about your health worries you will immeditialy speak of something different like a hobby you enjoy or gossip about the professor.  You can make it about anything other than worries.

[meikman]

Here's a site that talks about the EMG and touches a bit on denervation  www.healthline.com/galecontent/electromyography

[tarrigo]

Thanks.  My EMG was very extensive as well.  I have both arms, both legs, back, chest, abdomen and tongue all tested.  That covers just about everything.  



One last time...Does a clean EMG absolutely rule out ALS?



Sincere Thanks,



Tony

[meikman]

Yes it does absolutely does.  It is to be a very confident test and yours was very extensive.



How bad is the test?  I am only having my lower extermities done and now am pretty nervous about the test.  I'm ready to back out.

[tarrigo]

It is not that bad.  The needles don't really hurt that much.  The most uncomfortable part is when they ask you to flex your muscle with the needle in the muscle.  



When are you going for you test?  Did you neuro recommend the test?  How do you know so much about ALS if you haven't had an EMG yet?



Tony

[meikman]

I don't go until the 27th of this month.  It was to be done the day after my GP DR visit by the Neurologist but they cancel due to the Dr having meetings.  We try to go the cheapiest route do to us not having insurance.  I am a stay at home mom of 4 and my husband is self employed



I have been wondering about MS and if my symptoms weren't of that and I wanted to understand about the EMG and what could the DR be looking for in ordering one so I have done a lot of research mostly about MS, ALS and Diabetic Neuropathy.