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ALS and EMG Results
by Lono, Jun 11, 2008 09:32AM
Hello,
First, I should start by saying that I am a 30 year old male with a pervasive fear that I have the beginning stages of ALS. Part of me realizes that this may simply be hypochondria, but I have had some strange symptoms nonetheless.
My first symptoms started approximately one month ago when I started to feel brief sensations of heat on my upper-left calf. The sensations were not uncomfortable, and eventually progressed to an intermittent "pins and needles" feeling in my lower leg that was accompanied by a spreading of the heat sensation to my foot.
I saw my Dr. about this and he ordered an EMG and NCV to be done of my leg. In the interim, I started to feel some of the pins and needles sensations in my right leg, which was followed by a cramping feeling in my hamstring and sometimes my calf.
Fast forward a few weeks later, the EMG and NCV came and went without incident... it was performed on both legs beneath the knee and was determined to be completely normal. I even mentioned to the Dr. my fears regarding ALS, and he laughed them off and said he was "150% sure" that I did not have it. Later that day, however, after going out for a brisk walk, the muscle above my right knee twitched visibly for about two hours. After the reassuring EMG, this set me back to some more profound worry about ALS.
So my questions is this: should a normal EMG of my calves and feet reassure me that this is not a case of ALS, even if twitching started later that day above my knee, where the test was not performed? I have tried researching this on the internet and have found little information, save for one patient of BFS that was told by their neuro that if ALS started in a hand, an EMG of the leg would still turn up mysterious results.
Thank you so much for reading this. I have another Dr.'s appt. scheduled, but am looking for some reassurance in the interim.
Dave
First, I should start by saying that I am a 30 year old male with a pervasive fear that I have the beginning stages of ALS. Part of me realizes that this may simply be hypochondria, but I have had some strange symptoms nonetheless.
My first symptoms started approximately one month ago when I started to feel brief sensations of heat on my upper-left calf. The sensations were not uncomfortable, and eventually progressed to an intermittent "pins and needles" feeling in my lower leg that was accompanied by a spreading of the heat sensation to my foot.
I saw my Dr. about this and he ordered an EMG and NCV to be done of my leg. In the interim, I started to feel some of the pins and needles sensations in my right leg, which was followed by a cramping feeling in my hamstring and sometimes my calf.
Fast forward a few weeks later, the EMG and NCV came and went without incident... it was performed on both legs beneath the knee and was determined to be completely normal. I even mentioned to the Dr. my fears regarding ALS, and he laughed them off and said he was "150% sure" that I did not have it. Later that day, however, after going out for a brisk walk, the muscle above my right knee twitched visibly for about two hours. After the reassuring EMG, this set me back to some more profound worry about ALS.
So my questions is this: should a normal EMG of my calves and feet reassure me that this is not a case of ALS, even if twitching started later that day above my knee, where the test was not performed? I have tried researching this on the internet and have found little information, save for one patient of BFS that was told by their neuro that if ALS started in a hand, an EMG of the leg would still turn up mysterious results.
Thank you so much for reading this. I have another Dr.'s appt. scheduled, but am looking for some reassurance in the interim.
Dave
Post Comment
Ive read ALS usually attacks people over 40s ...my advise is do not think about it ....never think about the worse . Maybe your neuro will ask for other tests to rule out what is wrong , don't be afraid ! I was 12 when my dad started having symptoms ...you can emagine how scared i was at that age cause I already had symptoms of weakness but didnt tell anyone ..by the age 17 things got worse and then I had to be taken to the doc .
Write down any questions you have to ask your doc so you don't miss any .
I wish you for everything to go well ....and im sure they will .
I will be checking for you here for update .
take care
Maria{Greek}