muscle fasciculations? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

anxiousme · 06-13-2009, 09:16 PM

Has anyone with MS had muscle fasciculations (constant visible muscle twitching)? My mother has visible muscle twitching that has not gone away (several months). The hospital doctor thought she may have ALS when he saw this. Her brain MRI showed lesions. He then suspected MS due to lesions. However, due to her weakness, muscle atrophy, and muscle fasciculations, I'm still worried it could be ALS. She is due to see neurologist but can't be seen until Sept. I know some muscle twitching is expected for MS, but constant visible twitching? I'm not familiar with that in MS. I'm so worried for her. We can't wait for Sept. to get answers. Also, her fatigue has taken her ability to function. Despite the brain MRI results, I still worry about ALS.

MSJayhawk · 06-14-2009, 06:28 AM

In 1982 I had twitching which lasted for at least 8 months. Mine started after I began dropping things from my right hand and continued even after my right hand became "useless".

I questioned ALS, but my doctor told me ALS could be tested and diagnosed long before MS could be. Let not your heart be troubled. Let go and let God.

anxiousme · 06-14-2009, 07:59 AM

Thanks for the reply..Jayhawk

She is scheduled for an EMG next week. I've never had that test. Is this one of the tools that would differentiate between ALS and MS? I'm sure that the EMG would show abnormalities in both cases.

MSNik · 06-14-2009, 08:13 AM

Anxious, Ive had muscle twitching in my legs which is very visable and extremely annoying- its lasted as long as a few weeks. Usually the heat brings it on. If your mom is having such extreme fatigue and the twictching, its possible they are related.
Keep her cool at all times. Im talking invest in a cooling vest, keep her in the a/c- keep her hydrated. And, believe it or not, if you can get her into a pool, a cool pool- not an indoor one which is heated, the exercise and the cooling experience will help with both symtoms.

The EMG will tell how the muscle fires from the brain. For me, it was used to rule out Carpal Tunnel. My hands and fingers were numb and tingling (still are) and they needed to know if it was from an issue with the muscle of the hands, or if it was a lesion on the brain which affected the hands....turns out it was the brain- my hands are actually fine, even if I cant feel them or use them. I dont think an EMG will give you a definate dx of ALS or MS.....talk to your neuro more to find out what he is hoping to get from the test...the test doesnt take long- and you can be there with her. Let us know how it turns out.
Hugs
nikki

McV · 06-19-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anxiousme

Has anyone with MS had muscle fasciculations (constant visible muscle twitching)? My mother has visible muscle twitching that has not gone away (several months). The hospital doctor thought she may have ALS when he saw this. Her brain MRI showed lesions. He then suspected MS due to lesions. However, due to her weakness, muscle atrophy, and muscle fasciculations, I'm still worried it could be ALS. She is due to see neurologist but can't be seen until Sept. I know some muscle twitching is expected for MS, but constant visible twitching? I'm not familiar with that in MS. I'm so worried for her. We can't wait for Sept. to get answers. Also, her fatigue has taken her ability to function. Despite the brain MRI results, I still worry about ALS.

Has she had a recent diagnosis? I say this because I had this after they told me that I may have MS. After a while I calmed down (several months) and they went away. I asked my neuro about it and she said it's often brought on by anxiety.