rtnnebraska
04-02-2005, 08:09 PM
Hello everyone. For all of those who suffer from any neuromuscular diseases, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
The reason that I'm on this board is that I'm having some symptoms of ALS and I'm hoping that someone can tell me other possible diseases that could cause these problems. I orginally posted on the ALS board and one gentleman suggested Lyme disease. For anyone who would like to help, below is break down of what my symptoms are.
1. Approximately four weeks ago, I started to notice visible twitches...mainly on my left shoulder and right knee. In the last week or so, the twitches have not been as frequent, but they're still there.
2. Two weeks ago, I noticed my biceps and triceps felt weak in both arms, but much more so in my right arm. It really seemed to flare up during a stressful situation at work and never returned to normal. There is no visible atrophy and the weakness hasn't affected my daily life...yet. It just seems my right arm has really gotten weak after just 14 days.
3. My legs, rib cage, and neck are sore on an off and on basis.
4. I have a tingling sensation on the back of my legs, my shins, my face, and my arms. It isn't constant, but enough to notice.
5. I'm not sure if this is related, but I've been running an on and off low-grade fever for the last month.
I've been to my regular doctor several times and my chiropractor several times as well. My regular doctor had me do physical tests and said he couldn't find anything wrong with me. He said it was probably an irritated nerve or a virus because of the fever. He said to call back in a few weeks if it isn't better so he could make arrangements with the clinic's neurologist.
My chiropractor was much more concerned. He had me do physical tests as well and said he could tell my right arm/shoulder were weak. After a few visits with no improvement, he called a current patient he works with that has ALS. He wanted to hear about his early symptoms. Unfortunately, his started with twitches and weakness in one arm. My chiropractor said if I'm not much better in a week, I need to get an MRI.
I'm a 29 year-old man with no family history of diseases of this type. I have a wonderful wife and an amazing two-year old daughter, so I want to know what I may be up against so I can try to plan my future. When I go to the doctor next time, I'm looking for something to suggest to him as he seems perplexed.
If anyone has any suggestions, I would be very thankful for your help.
The reason that I'm on this board is that I'm having some symptoms of ALS and I'm hoping that someone can tell me other possible diseases that could cause these problems. I orginally posted on the ALS board and one gentleman suggested Lyme disease. For anyone who would like to help, below is break down of what my symptoms are.
1. Approximately four weeks ago, I started to notice visible twitches...mainly on my left shoulder and right knee. In the last week or so, the twitches have not been as frequent, but they're still there.
2. Two weeks ago, I noticed my biceps and triceps felt weak in both arms, but much more so in my right arm. It really seemed to flare up during a stressful situation at work and never returned to normal. There is no visible atrophy and the weakness hasn't affected my daily life...yet. It just seems my right arm has really gotten weak after just 14 days.
3. My legs, rib cage, and neck are sore on an off and on basis.
4. I have a tingling sensation on the back of my legs, my shins, my face, and my arms. It isn't constant, but enough to notice.
5. I'm not sure if this is related, but I've been running an on and off low-grade fever for the last month.
I've been to my regular doctor several times and my chiropractor several times as well. My regular doctor had me do physical tests and said he couldn't find anything wrong with me. He said it was probably an irritated nerve or a virus because of the fever. He said to call back in a few weeks if it isn't better so he could make arrangements with the clinic's neurologist.
My chiropractor was much more concerned. He had me do physical tests as well and said he could tell my right arm/shoulder were weak. After a few visits with no improvement, he called a current patient he works with that has ALS. He wanted to hear about his early symptoms. Unfortunately, his started with twitches and weakness in one arm. My chiropractor said if I'm not much better in a week, I need to get an MRI.
I'm a 29 year-old man with no family history of diseases of this type. I have a wonderful wife and an amazing two-year old daughter, so I want to know what I may be up against so I can try to plan my future. When I go to the doctor next time, I'm looking for something to suggest to him as he seems perplexed.
If anyone has any suggestions, I would be very thankful for your help.
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lespaul16
04-05-2005, 01:41 AM
i have the same symptoms
I noticed weakness and tremors in my hands and fingers when they are against gravity..like holding them up and stuff
also fasciculations in my legs and arms
at 16 years old you dont wanna think about ALS so im kinda in the same boat you are in..im lookin for help here also.
I noticed weakness and tremors in my hands and fingers when they are against gravity..like holding them up and stuff
also fasciculations in my legs and arms
at 16 years old you dont wanna think about ALS so im kinda in the same boat you are in..im lookin for help here also.
DaveMM
04-06-2005, 07:38 PM
You likely have what is called benign fasciculation syndrome, which is a form of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. Although the cause is not specifically known, many patients exhibit elevate antibodies, suggesting an autoimmune origin. I have had similar symptoms for 4 years. They tend to wax and wane, flaring up under times of stress (either physical or emotional). Muscle twitching in ALS rarely preceeds significant weakness. When your GP performs a basic neurologic exam, there are specific indicators of motor neuron disease (ALS) that would be evident. More extensive testing using EMG/NCV is warrated only if there is a possibility of MND, and are used for differential diagnosis or to confirm MND.
rtnnebraska
04-09-2005, 06:56 PM
Thanks DaveMM,
I've been back to the chiropractor and he said he thought my strength has improved. Also, I've been better about lifting weights three times a week and I've noticed my strenght has increased there as well. I'm not sure, but I'm hoping that even in the earliest phase of ALS, you probably wouldn't be able to increase strength in the affected muscles, once symptoms set in.
Unfortunately, I'm still twitching, my upper arms still feel "off" most of the time, and now both my forearms have a habit of cramping up after typing a relatively short amount of text. I've also noticed that my right hand and forearm seem swollen and clumsy at times. I don't think this is a symptom of ALS or any other NMD that I've read about, but I'm still going back to my regular doctor next week. Hopefully, he'll have some answers or at least give me a referral.
If anyone else out there has any idea what this could be, please let me know and many thanks in advance.
I've been back to the chiropractor and he said he thought my strength has improved. Also, I've been better about lifting weights three times a week and I've noticed my strenght has increased there as well. I'm not sure, but I'm hoping that even in the earliest phase of ALS, you probably wouldn't be able to increase strength in the affected muscles, once symptoms set in.
Unfortunately, I'm still twitching, my upper arms still feel "off" most of the time, and now both my forearms have a habit of cramping up after typing a relatively short amount of text. I've also noticed that my right hand and forearm seem swollen and clumsy at times. I don't think this is a symptom of ALS or any other NMD that I've read about, but I'm still going back to my regular doctor next week. Hopefully, he'll have some answers or at least give me a referral.
If anyone else out there has any idea what this could be, please let me know and many thanks in advance.
DaveMM
05-06-2005, 06:59 PM
I've been twitching for 4 years now. I was 37 when I began having symptoms. It began with isolated twitches in my left hand, upper arm and chest, and spread throughout my body within a month. I have constant twitches in my feet and calves. Additionally, I have cramping in my feet and calves. My recent EMG/NCV showed slowing of motor nerves in my legs and fibrillations in my feet. I feel weak, but have no demonstrable weakness. I coach baseball and referee soccer games. If my twitching that began 4 years ago were a symptom of ALS, I would likely be dead or confined to a wheelchair or bed.
My doctor diagnosed me with benign/cramp fasciculation syndrome. It is a form of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. There is strong evidence that it probably has an autoimmune cause, although this hasn't been proven. Many BFS patients have had a recent viral infection. There is also an association with voltage-gated potassium channel antibodies (VGKC). Essentially, the hypothesis is that these antibodies attack the ends of the motor nerves, interfering with the nerve impulses. This produces the muscle twitches. Additionally, I fatigue easily, get sore muscles easily, have tingling, buzzing, stabbing pain sensations in my feet and calves. With me, there is also cranial/facial nerve involvement.
Muscle twitching in ALS patients rarely precedes profound muscular weakness, atrophy, loss of coordination, and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes. The muscle twitching in ALS is due to the death of the motor nerves. By then, the weakness is usually apparent.
Hang in there. Time is your best ally.
My doctor diagnosed me with benign/cramp fasciculation syndrome. It is a form of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. There is strong evidence that it probably has an autoimmune cause, although this hasn't been proven. Many BFS patients have had a recent viral infection. There is also an association with voltage-gated potassium channel antibodies (VGKC). Essentially, the hypothesis is that these antibodies attack the ends of the motor nerves, interfering with the nerve impulses. This produces the muscle twitches. Additionally, I fatigue easily, get sore muscles easily, have tingling, buzzing, stabbing pain sensations in my feet and calves. With me, there is also cranial/facial nerve involvement.
Muscle twitching in ALS patients rarely precedes profound muscular weakness, atrophy, loss of coordination, and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes. The muscle twitching in ALS is due to the death of the motor nerves. By then, the weakness is usually apparent.
Hang in there. Time is your best ally.
starbuck1105
05-30-2005, 11:47 PM
I am so thankful that I stumbled across this topic. I've been dealing with a similar problem, and have been driving myself crazy with frustration, fear and worry in the last week or so.
For the last couple of years, I've experienced weakness in my left arm from time to time, but my doctor has never been able to diagnose a problem. I've sort of just gotten in the habit of "living" with it.
But about three weeks ago, I started experiencing strange, involuntary muscle twitches lasting between five and ten seconds. First, it was in my left bicep only. Then, a few days later, the twitching migrated to my right shoulder. Since then, its occurred in my thighs, buttocks, and even my face (cheek).
Although the twitching has subsided (in terms of the number of times per day it was happening), I've grown increasingly alarmed by the fact that it is moving around my body. Plus, for the last few days, I've had a feeling like I've had way too much caffeine in my system. I'm not phyiscally/noticeably jittery, but its more of an internal feeling if that makes any sense at all.
The Internet is both an wonderful and a horrible thing in instances like this. Though it gives one the ability to do a limited degree of "self-diagnosis," it also exposes the mind to every scary possibility imaginable. In the past few days, I've wondered if I have ALS, Parkinsons, Lyme Disease, stroke, heart attack, brain tumor, etc... The list goes on and on.
Anyway, this topic really "hits the nail on the head" with regard to my symptoms. I'm not saying that my problem is peripheral nerve hyperexcitability, but at least I know I'm not alone. And that makes me feel much better.
I've definitely been super stressed lately. I've been extremely unhappy with my job, and just made the decision last week to quit and open my own business. So even though I'm much happier right now, I'm still dealing with some anxiety (albeit good anxiety).
Of course, leaving my full-time job means leaving my health insurance behind. Maybe not the smartest move on my part, but there's nothing I can do about it now. Just filed for independent insurance the other day and am hoping they get the application processed before my appt. to see my doctor in a little less than two weeks from now.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Thanks for sharing your stories, guys and thanks for listening to mine. If anyone has any thoughts or advice to share, I'd love to hear it. Thanks again.
For the last couple of years, I've experienced weakness in my left arm from time to time, but my doctor has never been able to diagnose a problem. I've sort of just gotten in the habit of "living" with it.
But about three weeks ago, I started experiencing strange, involuntary muscle twitches lasting between five and ten seconds. First, it was in my left bicep only. Then, a few days later, the twitching migrated to my right shoulder. Since then, its occurred in my thighs, buttocks, and even my face (cheek).
Although the twitching has subsided (in terms of the number of times per day it was happening), I've grown increasingly alarmed by the fact that it is moving around my body. Plus, for the last few days, I've had a feeling like I've had way too much caffeine in my system. I'm not phyiscally/noticeably jittery, but its more of an internal feeling if that makes any sense at all.
The Internet is both an wonderful and a horrible thing in instances like this. Though it gives one the ability to do a limited degree of "self-diagnosis," it also exposes the mind to every scary possibility imaginable. In the past few days, I've wondered if I have ALS, Parkinsons, Lyme Disease, stroke, heart attack, brain tumor, etc... The list goes on and on.
Anyway, this topic really "hits the nail on the head" with regard to my symptoms. I'm not saying that my problem is peripheral nerve hyperexcitability, but at least I know I'm not alone. And that makes me feel much better.
I've definitely been super stressed lately. I've been extremely unhappy with my job, and just made the decision last week to quit and open my own business. So even though I'm much happier right now, I'm still dealing with some anxiety (albeit good anxiety).
Of course, leaving my full-time job means leaving my health insurance behind. Maybe not the smartest move on my part, but there's nothing I can do about it now. Just filed for independent insurance the other day and am hoping they get the application processed before my appt. to see my doctor in a little less than two weeks from now.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Thanks for sharing your stories, guys and thanks for listening to mine. If anyone has any thoughts or advice to share, I'd love to hear it. Thanks again.
jjules
07-04-2005, 02:43 PM
Hi, Just read your story. I have the spasms too and have been trying to figure out what is wrong. I agree your mind seems to think the worst is wrong with you. If you have any good info to pass on please. This is my first day on here and it's nice to know your'e not alone. Good luck...Jules