Not sure what this means. . .

[cindycindykb]

What does this mean? Under the Physical Exam notes of my neurologist: Motor: Muscle Tone(U & LE's any atrophy/abnormal movements Abnormal(ATROPHY NOTED IN B EDB. NO FASCICULATIONS OBSERVED) Muscle strength(U& LE's) Abnormal(4+/5 STRENGTH R ANKLE DORSIFLEXION AND R TOE EXTENSION, O/W 5/5 STRENGTH T/O 4 EXTS.) Extremities Normal Exam Deep TEndon Reflexes and Pathological Reflexes Abnormal Test coordination normal.

Gait and Station: Gait and Station Abnormal (Difficult HW, R>L)

Assessment/Plan
1.) MUSCLE WEAKNESS (GENERALIZED) (728.87) - WEAKNESS NOTED IN R ANKLE DORSIFLEXION AND R TOE EXTENSION ON EXAM

EMG/NCS of B legs and R arm today demonstrate denervation in multiple muscles with decreased amplitudes observed in only B peroneal motor responses, and all sensory responses are normal Motor Neuron Disease is in the differential.

The neurologist has scheduled an appointment for me with another neurologist and mentioned ALS to me several times during the three conversations I had with him. Does this sound like ALS?

 

[TedH5]

Cindy - I am going to be candid with you. I believe your best option is to see the Neurologist that your current Neuro sends you to. None of us are Dr's and I do not know what other tests you have had completed. Obviously there is something wrong and your Dr. put ALS on the table, but please, please, please I implore you, allow the Dr's to provide you with a diagnosis, not the web and not any strangers who are not Dr's and just responding to a post online.

 

[LizT]

Im sorry.
I would recommend you see an ALS specialist.

 

[trfogey]

There are many conditions that could produce physical assessments and EMG results like what you've posted here. ALS -- which is one of the motor neuron diseases (MNDs) -- is one of those conditions. You can expect to undergo more tests in the upcoming weeks and months so that your neuros can come to a specific conclusion from that large list of alternatives.

Given the limited information that you posted here, we can't say ALS one way or the other. What was happening that caused you to seek medical attention in the first place, which led to this doctor saying these things?

 

[cindycindykb]

I started having cramps in feet, toes and calves about 2 1/2 yrs. ago. The cramps have moved to my shins, inner and outer thighs, side and now in the past couple of months in my hands and bicep. I have had blood work done and no defiencies have shown up. A year ago my pmc sent me to a rheumatologist. He said he thought my problem was nerves not muscles and said I should have an EMG. He also said there was no need to hurry. That I could try stretches before bed. I started stretching and it seemed to help at first then I started regularly walking on the treadmill and some weight exercises. My body felt pretty weak but I was determined to keep going. Cramps continued and twitching started about 6 months ago. Sometimes my ankles and or hips feel very weak. The main reason I finally went to neuro is that I am fraid to keep my grandson by myself with the cramps. Twice I have had the foot cramp while driving and twice I have felt so stiff i could barely straighten up. I am scheduled to see a specialist but the waiting has driven me to the internet. Thanks for replying. This is my first time to post online about anything to people I don't know and not sure I posted right.

 

[cindycindykb]

I have never posted anything on a forum before. I just typed out my symptoms and tried to post them but I don't know where they went. Can anyone help me with that?

 

[laurel]

Hi Cindy you probably used a term that caused your post to go to a moderator. This system is a bit touchy with words like g o o g l e or d i a g n o s i s. I spaced those two examples or else my post would have gone to moderation. Yours will appear later after Al or Richard looks at it and approves it. PS Listen to Allen (trfogey). It sounds early in the game to know what is going on. You have some atrophy is the top of your feet and some abnormal reflexes by the sound of that jumbled neuro. note. There are a zillion things out there that can cause those symptoms. Viruses, muscle inflammations, CIDP, MMN etc. etc. I hope that you have one of the treatable ones. Good luck and follow through with a neuro. specializing in neuromuscular disorders.
Laurel

 

[cindycindykb]

Thanks! Regardless of what I find out, its good to know this support is here for so many people! I will check back later. My appointment is on Wednesday.

 

[laurel]

We'll be looking for an update Cindy. All the best to you. Positive thinking helps in my opinion--so do lots of positive self talk before that appointment.
Laurel

 

[Ms. Pie]

Yes, please keep us posted Sweets.
Marta

 

[tammyg]

You should of asked your Dr. what it meant.You have a right to know, it your medical record. I am sure he would explain it to you without all the medical terms. Good luck to you .
Welcome. I hope you find another DX and don't need us But are always Welcome to stay

 

[cindycindykb]

Here is my update: I saw the ALS specialist today. He explained that my neuro sent me to him for a second opinion in which he agreed that i have a motor neuron disease. He said he could not give me a definitive beyond that. He did give me a prescription for ALS medicine. I am so glad to know this forum is here. I am sure there will be days that I will spend much time meeting new friends.

 

[TedH5]

Very sorry for your diagnosis but yes you will find a lot of support here and I am sure make many friends. Stay strong and keep the faith!

 

[HelenL]

cindycindykb, I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, it's definitely mind altering. I hope that you find as much support and comfort from the wise (and wise crackin') members here on the forum as I have.
Helen

 

[Alyoop]

Sorry about your diagnosis Cindy. Hope this forum will help with answers you may have and support.
Aly