Fasciculations

[Roger999]

Two years ago I slipped a disc. L5S1 is involved, and the MRI conclusion is "multilevel degenerative disc and facet disease, most significant at L5-S1 level where there is compromise of the left neural foramen. . . . the dominant abnormality is a modest size left posterolateral disc protrusion that extends into the neural foramen causing compression of the nreve root sheath in the neural foramen and lateral recess."

Sometime after the back injury (I don't know how the disc slipped) I developed fasciculations in my legs, mostly in the left leg, particularly the calf. I also have numbness in the two little toes on my left foot.  I regualrly get calf cramps in my left leg while sleeping.

My question is do you think the fasciculations could be caused by a compressed nerve?

I do have some fasciculations in my right leg too, but mostly it is the left one. The intensity varies, but I would say on average the fasciculations are moderate. The twitching is 24/7. Worse when I sit for a long time. The fasiculations do not move around my body, they are alwys in the same places.

My GP tested me for weakness, and he said that I have no objective weakness.
I am 60 years old, in very good physical condition as I work out regularly with a coach. My condition (complaint) is stable, doesn't get better or worse over time.

I was very concerne about ALS because after sitting awhile I have difficulty getting up stairs. I thought this indicated weakness. However, my doctor found no objective evidence of weakness (his words).

In the past, I have been very worried about this. I am more relaxed about ALS now because I am not getting worse or weaker as time goes by.

I have been bringing up the topic of my fasciculations with my GP for a year and a half, so he has me scheduled to see a Neurologist next month "to give me comfort" about the fasciculations.  

Thank you in advance for your thoughts on this.

[painkiller99]

The symptoms of fasciculations on the left leg can be correlated with the MRI findings of left posterolateral disc protrusion compressing the nerve root sheath at L5-S1.  A diagnosis of ALS cannot be made just based on your symptoms especially since there is no note of clinical progression.  You should consult a neurologist to assess your condition properly.

[Blessedsoulforever]

Hi Roger999,
You have given a comprehensive history,I appreciate you for that,It is most valid data for any diagnosis.
Coming to your problem,fasiculation ,with the given history is most probably due to a neuro cause.
Do a blood work,check if  you are diabetic.
A thorough examination by a neurophysician would help in the exact diagnosis.
Goodluck