jasper
New member
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2012
- Messages
- 3
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Country
- CA
- State
- Ontario
- City
- Mississauga
I've read some reputable online literature about ALS and most of this section of the ALS forum and still can't find a definitive answer to my concern. I'm hoping you'll take a moment to set me straight or point me to a good resource.
I've had an intermittent twitch under my left eye since March of last year. By summer, it was constant, so I visited my GP about it in September. We raised my calcium and magnesium intake, but the twitch persisted, so she set me up with a neurology appointment because she was concerned I might have a more serious neurological problem. That appointment is scheduled for March.
Since then, I've developed a twitch in my left cheek when I smile. Other facial muscles twitch intermittently as well, and sometimes there is tongue involvement. Stress exacerbates the problem, but even when I'm completely calm, my left cheek still twitches like a weak muscle upon smiling. The good news is that the eye twitch is intermittent again, but I've given up caffeine, so I'm sure that accounts for it.
Yes, my doctor is concerned the eye twitch might be a sign of ALS. Yes, she said as much, though she was careful to add that she doesn't think I have it, and she's 99.9% sure of that assessment. No, I don't have any trouble slurring (we all slur on occasion, but I'm not slurring often or consistently), chewing or swallowing. No, I have no weakness in my limbs.
Here are my questions, then. Are eye twitches, cheek twitches, facial twitches or tongue twitches an early sign of the disease? Could the twitch in my cheek upon smiling be an indication of a weak facial muscle and thus worrisome?
Yes, I'm worried, but I'm handling it, twitches aside, and I'd genuinely appreciate a solid answer on this, even if it's harsh. I respect that many people come to this forum with the 'twitch' question, but because my doctor has a concern (however minor) and because I might have a weak cheek muscle, I thought I would ask you all about it.
Thank you for whatever help you might provide.
I've had an intermittent twitch under my left eye since March of last year. By summer, it was constant, so I visited my GP about it in September. We raised my calcium and magnesium intake, but the twitch persisted, so she set me up with a neurology appointment because she was concerned I might have a more serious neurological problem. That appointment is scheduled for March.
Since then, I've developed a twitch in my left cheek when I smile. Other facial muscles twitch intermittently as well, and sometimes there is tongue involvement. Stress exacerbates the problem, but even when I'm completely calm, my left cheek still twitches like a weak muscle upon smiling. The good news is that the eye twitch is intermittent again, but I've given up caffeine, so I'm sure that accounts for it.
Yes, my doctor is concerned the eye twitch might be a sign of ALS. Yes, she said as much, though she was careful to add that she doesn't think I have it, and she's 99.9% sure of that assessment. No, I don't have any trouble slurring (we all slur on occasion, but I'm not slurring often or consistently), chewing or swallowing. No, I have no weakness in my limbs.
Here are my questions, then. Are eye twitches, cheek twitches, facial twitches or tongue twitches an early sign of the disease? Could the twitch in my cheek upon smiling be an indication of a weak facial muscle and thus worrisome?
Yes, I'm worried, but I'm handling it, twitches aside, and I'd genuinely appreciate a solid answer on this, even if it's harsh. I respect that many people come to this forum with the 'twitch' question, but because my doctor has a concern (however minor) and because I might have a weak cheek muscle, I thought I would ask you all about it.
Thank you for whatever help you might provide.