Does anyone know how often twitching occurs in ALS?

I had an EMG which showed denervation in my L5 and S1 nerve root areas and I don't have any major spinal issues. My PCP ordered the EMG and the neurologist who performed the EMG said that this doesn't look like ALS.

The first neurologist that I saw dismissed me as being depressed and didn't seem to care a lot about the abnormal EMG results. I have to wait until April 22nd to see another neurologist and I have a fear in the back of my mind that I have ALS even though a peripheral neuropathy is probably more likely.

Hi,

Sometimes the twitching that is involved in ALS is not ever expressed on the outside of the body (where it is visible). I lost my Mom to ALS 5 years ago and she never had any outward noticable twitching, however- the EMG was very clear that she had extensive twitching deep in the muscles.
Please note that some twitching can just occur normally. Our muscles will normally twitch when they are fatigued (tired). ALS is progressive and usually starts with very noticable loss of function in one hand or one foot- for example- dropping things from one hand or not being able to put a key in the door with that hand, or foot drop (one foot that seems to drop forward)- causing you to stumble. It takes all factors together for it to be ALS- not just a positive EMG.

Hope this helps

ALS twitching is also called fasicullations. these are more like a constant "rolling" of the muscles. very visible.