I'm back on this board, too. - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Message Board

anxiousme · 06-23-2009, 06:12 PM

I posted a few weeks ago and switched to the MS board. Now I think ALS is still a real possibility.

My mom is 67. She had the muscle weakness in her arms. Muscle fasciculations. Loss of use of her left hand, now loss of use of her right. Her Brain MRI showed some MS plaques however because of the muscle atrophy and fasciculations the Neuro can't make a call between the two. He wants to conduct another MRI (because the ER doc didn't use contrast). He also wants some more extensive EMG test.

I just don't know what to think. She is showing symptoms of both. Is it possible to have both MS and ALS. He says it is so rare.

rudiraven · 06-24-2009, 08:28 AM

Is your mom taking any medications? I am wondering if there's a link between these symptoms/diseases and statin therapy. Take care

anxiousme · 06-24-2009, 06:20 PM

You know she is on cholesterol meds and triglycerid (sp?) meds....for years. I have just been reading about the dangers and possible linkage to these diseases. She was on Lipitor 20mg and was bumped to 40mg for a long time. She is now back down to 20mg.

Is there a confirmed linkage? Would stopping the meds even help at this point?

Thanks.

vh90453 · 06-25-2009, 07:11 AM

As far as I know it's never been proven that there's a link between statins and your Mum's problems. Taking statins is pretty common, where as MS and ALS are pretty uncommon diseases. I hope your Mum gets a diagnosis soon.

rudiraven · 06-25-2009, 08:23 AM

Anxious,
There are no studies recognized by the FDA that confirm a linkage, however, I have read many articles, written by doctors, that agree there could be a linkage because the statin drugs interfere with muscle cells, etc. There have also been studies that indicate statins are of no help for women or the elderly. They are most useful for middle aged men with heart disease. I can't remember all the medical terms

. Don't know if stopping the statins would do any good at this time, but it couldn't hurt to start giving her COQ10 supplement. Do some more research, Dr. Graveline is a good place to start. I wish you and your mom the best.