What could cause Hoffman's sign, Knee Clonus, and Hyperreflexia?

[Family2011]

I am a 28 year old female whom has Hoffman's sign, knee clonus, and hyperreflexia. My neurologist hasn't a clue as to what is causing all of my symptoms. I forget entire conversations.  I forget where I am. I have severe muscle spasms/twitching and muscle weakness in my legs, and my arms are slowly weakening as well. I choke on food and am now experiencing SOB. Before these symptoms took place I began to have severe abdominal pain in all quadrants and fatigue. I would and still sleep 15 hours a day.
I was very active, in school, and managed to be a very active mom. I had to withdraw from school, and my children see me asleep more than they see me awake. I have had MRIs of the spine and brain and I have had CTs of the abdominal area. I feel as if I am dying, and am very scared.

What could cause these clincal symptoms?


This discussion is related to 18 yrs old uncontrolled muscle twitches/loss of memory and pain .

[Family2011]

Thank you for both responses. I love this website. My neuro refused to conduct a nerve conduction study. He is trying to find another neuro to take me on as a patient. My muscle spasms began in April and abdominal pain began in 2010. ALS runs on both sides of my family, and I am hoping that is not the dx.

I have read some blogs on the ms forum and it was very useful. I hope you both have a wonderful day.

[Dcneuro]

Do you have any facial drooping? This sounds like it could be myasthenia gravis, which is an autoimmune disorder affecting acetyl choline receptors at the neuromuscular junctions. Blood tests can reveal autoimmune markers. Sorry to hear you're experiencing this, I hope everything is figured out and resolved soon.

[supermum_ms]

Not wanting to dispute the opinion of a dr but ALS patients have a 2-5yr life expectancy and you have clearly said your sx have been on going and escalating for the last 18 years, so ALS is rather unlikely!!!

Why dont you pop over to the MS forum and tell us your story, very informative and supportive group of wonderful people.

Cheers........JJ

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. These are symptoms and signs suggestive of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, which is a disorder causing muscle weakness and atrophy throughout the body due to degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons.  The muscles weaken and atrophy and one loses the ability to initiate and control all voluntary movements though eye muscles and bowel, bladder sphincters are spared. Your neurologist needs to assess your electromyography or EMG and nerve conduction study or NCV. MRI brain and spine helps with exclusion of other disease like MS. Hope this helps. Take care.