I'm a 17 year old living in Houston and am very concerned about my father potentially having ALS. A couple days ago he saw a neurosurgeon who gave an MRI that came back inconclusive and recommended further tests. Just tonight I’ve been looking around at different websites and am frightened at how much his symptoms match those of the disease. About six weeks ago he noticed that his right hand was noticeably smaller and weaker than his left. The first doctor he consulted said that the hand's condition was related to some nerve issue originating in his back and referred my dad to the neurosurgeon. He has not experienced any other symptoms such as spasms. I just hear left hand atrophy, male, middle age, and it's scary. He's in excellent physical condition and has not had any previous major medical issues. From looking around it seems like there are many less threatening diseases with symptoms similar to ALS (benign fasciculation syndrome, lyme disease, mycoplasma).

Does this description sound like likely ALS?

How often does it turn out to just be something benign?

Thanks for reading and please respond even if you aren't an expert. I just want to hear from anyone who understands or relates to my situation.

i know how scary the waiting is. my husbands symptoms started out as right hand weakness and he also had fasicullations( sort of like muscle twitches). the muscle btwn his thumb and index finger was very sunken in. He went thru many tests, and had to be followed for several months with the emg's every three months. about 5 months after his symtpoms they suspected als, but wanted further testing to be sure. They don't usually diagnosis als until all else has been ruled out. he ended up being diagnosed offically in november, 8 months after symptoms appeared. he now has weakness in his left arm and hand and his legs are becoming weaker. He gets tired out easily, but he is still mobile and very active.
in all of the testing and followup appts i found out that these symptoms can be caused from many things so, easier said than done, don't worry yourself until things progress or the docs come up with something. i hope they find an alternative diagnosis for your dad.