What were your first signs? - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Message Board

KyleSEE · 05-12-2003, 02:15 PM

For the past six months I have been experiencing some very disturbing symptoms. At first I got a pins and needles sensation everywhere which slowly faded. Then I started getting small frequent muscle spasms everywhere. I then had a tight feeling in my left calf muscle which comes and goes. I have also had bouts of weekness in both hands that seems to vary and also come and go. The newest thing I have noticed is a area in my right thigh that seems to be resessed inward; some what like muscle atrophy. I am terrified that I might have ALS. I am currently seeing a neurologist but he is moving at a snails pace and I cant stop worrying.

Has anyone here experienced these types of symptoms?

reneeintx · 05-12-2003, 04:55 PM

Kyle-

I don't have ALS but thought I did at one point. I've learned ALS symptoms can mimic other conditions.

I post sometimes on the rare disorders board here and also the thyroid one. The rare disorders board has a post about a conditon called bening fasciculation syndrome. That's the label I have slapped on my forehead at the moment. Benign fasciculation syndrome has alot of the symptoms you describe. Most of the people that get diagnosed with this believe they have ALS "at first", then get an EMG from our neurologist and they can't find anything wrong. No ALS just a screwy nervous system.

Thyroid problems cause a multitude of symptoms also.
MS seems to show symtoms of what you describe also.

I hope you are seeing a neurologist that sees ALS on a regular basis. Has your doc given you an EMG?

Try not to diagnose yourself. It will only cause unneccesary anxiety and misery. I've been down that road.

Renee

Tell you doctor to get off his booty!!!

cassandra2000 · 06-07-2003, 08:22 AM

Pins and needles are one of the early symptoms that can indicate Motor Neuron disease which your neurologist will likely be checking.

Pins and needles can also be a symptom of diabetes (a test of blood sugar is easy and cheap to rule this out). Peripheral Vascular Disease also has this as a symptom. The muscle wasting does make it sound more likely to be neurological though.