muscle problems or als

[dotty]

I have been suffering from muscle twitching and spasms for 6and half months-- I HAD A NORMAL EMG AND NEURO EXAM AT 2 MONTHS ANd A NEURO EXAM AT 6 MOnTHS ALL WERE SAID TO BE NORMAL. i was told originally my symptoms were caused by stress but on my last appointment the neuro bought in a psychiatrist whose diagnosise was psychostomatic illness. Since then new symptoms have started-- at the time i first when to see the neuro i was having full body spasms- feet to mouth- even though the spasms did not stop i had not had any full body ones for over four months but now they have started again THESE HURT BUT- also I CAN FEEL THE MUSCLES WHICH I ASSUME ARE EITHER CONTRACTING OR UNDOING ITS SLOWLY MOVES DOWN MY ARM, AND BACK UP AGAIN IT CAN DO IT MANY TIMES ONE AFTER THE OTHER OR DOWN MY NECK FACE,  CHEST OR ANY OTHER PART OF MY BODY THESE ONES DO NOT HURT ITS LIKE HAVING A STICKY LIQUID SLOWLY POURING DOWN YOU.also I CAN FEEL A MUSCLE TIGHTEN AND FEEL SHARP AND THEN SLOWLY IT GET SHARPER LIKE A THORN AND THE IT STICKS IN YOU REALLY HARD when they stick in your back near your spine they can cause you jerk forward sligtly- i phoned my neuro and his secretary said he said do not worry and there was no need for a private appointment and I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE END OF APRIL FOR MY NHS APPOINTMENT. i also have asked him twice if I CAN HAVE ANOTHER EMG AND HE WILL NOT GIVE HIS PERMISSON AS HE SAYS ITS WAST OF MONEY AND HE IS SURE OF HIS DIAGNOSIS. what are your opinions about what might be happening and can all this be either anxiety or pychosomatic.
I would appreciate your help

[Z1GG]

get yourself back to your gp and ask for an urgent referral to another neurologist. Tell your gp that you are willing to take a cancellation booking. I have had benign fasciculations for 4 years now.  Mt maternal grandfather died of als, so i was terrified. I too have a twitching tongue and my workmates thought me clumsy.  The twitching tongue test is not definitive of als. To carry out the test properly open your mouth, do not stick out your tongue, leave it resting inside and then look for twitches.   P.S i have them all over my body along with intense periods of cramps i also experience a buzzing sensation under the soles of my feet! Insist on a referral for peace of mind.

[Quigley]

For awhile, I have noticed a continuous vibration that occurs in intervals for every few seconds on my left side in my ankle, calf, and thigh.  Over the past few months it has become more pronounced and cramping pain, numbness and weakness has been noted.  I can even feel it in my sleep - since it has awakened me.  I also noticed a painful discomfort in my left shoulder girdle with vibrations, numbness and weakness in my left arm and hand. Recently, I noticed the outer two-thirds of my tongue has begun vibrating and feels numbness.  If i stick my tongue out it vibrates so much it looks like a writhing snake.  This has become alarming and a nusance.  My wife noted that within the past year she has noted some tripping and dropping of things. I hate to admit it but she is correct.  She also says that at times I have some slurred speech.  I feel tired or fatigued but keep on going.  Sometimes I feel like I've been swimming in the ocean all day.  I will be 44 years old this year.  I have a history of Crohns, hypertension, and CAD.  I am on medication for Crohns, hypertension, cholesterol, and heart.  I guess I am becoming more worried and have put off seeing a doctor.  I moved about a year ago (job relocation) and haven't been seen by any of my doctors since.  My dad had Crohns also.  I had participated in a study by the NIH and John Hopkins on a Family Study of Crohns.  What concerns me is - my dad also had ALS and died after two years of being diagnosed with it.  I have four children. Help me, if you can. Thanks.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Muscle spasms can be caused by a large number of things. It is of some reassurance that your neurological exam and EMG were both normal, which help make the possibility of serious life- threatening illnesses less likely. Stress and anxiety can certainly be a cause of your symptoms, but the diagnosis should only be made after a careful neuro exam. Also, the EMG should have been able to pick up any abnormalities, especially if you were actively having symptoms at the time of the test. If you are still concerned about the symptoms, you can always go for a second opinion with a neuromuscular specialist at a major academic or clinical center. GOod luck.