feedback on symptoms - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Message Board

dlog · 08-17-2003, 05:12 PM

My husband is 43 and has started having muscle twitching over his whole body. It started with his legs and now occurs everywhere including along side of the spine. He also is having what he terms as heaviness in his arms, although he is not dropping things and the strength seems to still be there. a year ago he had some tremoring in his pinky and he had a negative EMG. He had nothing else until this twitching started. He has had several laminectomies in the lumbar area. It took a month to get into a neurologist and now the EMG is out another month. MRI is in the process of being scheduled. It is so tough just waiting for so long and all of the obvious fears jump out. I guess I am just looking for some feedback in the meantime. HAs anyone out there had similiar symptoms and was another diagnosis other than ALS made?

GI_WILD · 08-18-2003, 09:13 AM

Hi, sorry to hear about your husband. If you read some of the post and visit some of the links I have posted, it might help relieve some of your fears.
I am really upset too! as to how long it takes to get these test done, and get back to the Dr's for the results, Thats why the anxeity grows to enormous proportions.
Try not to worry, until you have all the results, the faciculations(twitching) can be just a problem on its on ,which is treatable.
I have noticed that a lot of people are becoming aware of Motor Neuron Disease (ALS,PLS, PMA, etc.) And tend to jump into conclusion that this is their problem.
Just try to relax and wait for the results, and learn as much as you can before you see the DR. again, so you can ask all the questions you want while you have that short time with him.
Good luck, and my prayers are with you.

slyJohn · 08-22-2003, 08:52 PM

A lot of diseases cause twitching so I wouldn't specifically worry on ALS. I know it is a dreadful disease that people easily worry about, but try and not worry too much about it. The twitching can be caused by something simple as not enough certain vitamins and minerals in the body. My twitching began in my left leg and spread over my entire body now. So I worry about ALS very much too but it's not logical at my age of 20. I've had MRI of the back, head, CT scan of the abdomen, lumbar spine, chest, EMG of my left leg, blood work done, hormone studies done, and everything is normal. So far all I've been diagnosed with is a severe anxiety disorder.