Muscle Twitching

[PennStatePride]

Hello, and thanks for your response.

I am a 24 year old male, and am otherwise healthy and on no medications. About 3 weeks ago I began noticing quick muscle twitches (lasting about 5-10 seconds) in my right thigh. This then began to occur in a widespread manner, including my right and left bicep, right and left shoulder muscle, right and left back muscle, left forearm, and the inside muscle of my right knee. These twitches usually don't last longer than 10 seconds, and when I move around a little they go away right away (usually). I would say that, to the best of my knowledge, these muscle twitches only occur when I am at a rested state; and sometimes when I wake up from sleeping I notice a slight twitch.

Because I initially searched the web for these symptoms, I am now terrified of ALS, to the point where it is consuming my daily thinking. I have an appointment with my GP in a week. Because I am so scared of ALS, I tried different muscle tests and did them all just fine; such as walking on my heels and toes, standing on one foot, picking up heavy objects with one hand only etc. I also walk to class and up and down stairs every day with no problem. I do not feel weak.

My questions to you is this;

1) At my age, should I be concerned about ALS?

2) I know I need to see a doctor and you cannot diagnose me over the internet, but objectively, do these symptoms sound like ALS?

3) Does muscle twitching usually present as the 1st symptom of ALS?

Thanks a lot Doctor.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There is no specific test for ALS, as it is mainly a diagnosis of exclusion.  That said, I think you should see a neurologist.  Nerve conduction testing as well as imaging of the brain and/or spinal cord can be part of the initial workup.

Twitching can be caused by ALS, among many other causes, in addition to muscle weakness.  But a neurologist would be the right person to see for this.  

I wouldn't even hazard a guess over the internet without examining you.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd

[Mark1968]

I'm not a doctor, but it is very unlikely to be ALS, more likely BFS.  YOu should see a neurologist and get a EMG test to verify.  This sounds to be hyperactive nerve symptoms to me.  Please  look at my profile for more info regarding this type of disorder.  Thanks,

Mark

[PennStatePride]

Also, I have been having a 'buzzing' sensation on the bottoms of both of my feet, but mostly my right one.

Also, for unrelated purposes, I had a brain MRI done 1 month ago for persistent headaches; this test came back normal.