Difficulty swallowing

[J Kay]

I have been having difficulty swallowing for a few months (food particles sticking in throat regularly) and having to swallow several times to get them down.  I also have thick throat mucus. My maternal grandfather died of ALS but all 4 of his children are in their 60's and have no symptoms yet.  I feel like I trip on my right foot more often than the average person.  I am concerned about the source of my swallowing problems!!  Also, I have recently developed constant tinnitus in the left ear (mild but always there) and for many years have had slight tenderness at back of lower left jawbone.  No idea if any or all of these symptoms are related, but am concerned about possible ALS or neck/throat cancer!!

[myooshka]

If you are concerned about ALS ask to see an ALS specialist. I have been dealing with a neurological condition that is undiagnosed and from speaking to many people who have been disappointed and unable to get answers from mainstream neuros, many who are unable to recognize als or other motor neuron diseases because they have never come across them before. If you are really concerned about ALS ask to be sent to an ALS clinic. And hopefully they can put your fears to rest. Do you have any twitching or other weakness?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
There are many causes of difficulty in swallowing like esophageal stricture, diffuse esophageal spasm, gastro esophageal reflux disease, neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and parkinsons disease and spinal cord injury.
At the moment it is difficult to connect your symptoms together. Ringing in the ears can be due to ear infections, ear wax or Meniere’s disease. Tenderness in the jaw bone can be due to Temporomandibular joint disorder or dental abscess. I would suggest you to get a complete neurological exam done to rule out neurological causes.
Do keep us posted!