I think we understand what you are saying about benign twitches, and I do know that some people on this board do suffer from this, and we as members can usually tell the difference in presentation. We are not doctors but we can honestly say that many people are dealing with many more symptoms than simple random twitching. Many people have cramping, clonus, stiffness, and atrophy and weakness, hardly benign conditions. While I appreciate your expertise, I do know that many on this board are dealing with more serious issues, maybe not als, but something ominious anyway. I think most people would know twitching in itself is just that, but add the other symptoms, and we may have a serious problem...
I agree totally Annmarie. When i had my first sympton ,which was foot drop.I had no clue, I thought I was clumsey because I was falling doing daily chores. Then came slurred speech, clonus, gait, stiffness ,atrophy, weakness and severe spasms when the twitching started it put the cap on the bottle for me. I really appreciate this forum, my friend was reading this forum and told me to start reading. I diagnoiced myself just by reading this forum, and of course going to a neurologist and then to an als clinic. Oh I was in denial but I knew I had ALS. Two yrs ago on my 35th anniversary I was lying in the sun, walking on the beach for miles,and lifting weights . August 16 was our 37 yr anniversary i was unable to even go out for dinner . I certainly was unable to have the strength to have a romantic night. I was very active, now I can't turn over in bed without help. It could be worse and i thank God daily for the little things. to sum it up unless you truly have ALS you have no clue. Jogging is totally not the ALS exercise. Anyway we are all different but als alike in so many ways thanks for everyones support and I pray for you all . This is just my opinion not meant to offend anyone. JAN F