Concerned - hand atrophy

[LukeM]

Hello,

I'm rather concerned about hand atrophy. Over the last few days I have noticed hand atrophy which is symmetrical in both hands in the area between by thumb and forefinger. I've had a number of other neurological systemptoms and an MRI recently ruled out a lot of things I thought could be causing my problems.

My question is, does ALS hand atrophy normally present symmetrically in both hands?

 

[brooksea]

No, it does not. Neither does it happen in a "few days."

 

[LukeM]

Thanks for your reply.

I only noticed the atrophy over a couple of days it's possible it was there earlier. It's nearly 100% symmetrical and is like a dent in both my palms. It's slightly painful if I push on it.

I also have body wide twitches.

Over the last few months I've had weakness in the hand that has come and gone, weakness with fine movements but no general weakness. For example I can easily do 20 pushups but can struggle to write with a pen.

 

[brooksea]

Go see your doc. No pain with ALS. No body wide twitches. Look at the stickies. ALS does not come and go.

 

[LukeM]

I went to the ER because of the atrophy because it was a 4 month wait to see a Neurologist. They did the MRI and blood tests which showed nothing.

They also performed a Neurological exam where they pulled this, pushed that, ran keys down my foot, taped my knee etc and said it all appeared normal. Frustrated and anxious because of lack of answers.

I guess the quick and symmetrical atrophy of my palms and the crazy wide spread twitches are a good sign.

 

[Luke]

From one Luke to another, do like the good people here say and head back to a doctor. Good luck, bro.

 

[LukeM]

Problems is I have been to the doctor and they are pritty dismissive, in terms of seeing a Neuro it's s 4 month wait.

I do have lots of transient tingling and sporadic pain in my fingers, especially the ring and pinky fingers so I'm hoping this leads to a more benign diagnoses.

 

[kiwisally]

Problems is I have been to the doctor and they are pritty dismissive, in terms of seeing a Neuro it's s 4 month wait.

I do have lots of transient tingling and sporadic pain in my fingers, especially the ring and pinky fingers so I'm hoping this leads to a more benign diagnoses.

The problem is not that your doctor is dismissive. The problem is that you are dismissive of your doctor. In 4 months when the Neuro tells you the same things you can be dismissive of them as well. So much to look forward to!

 

[LukeM]

Look forward to 4 months of misery while I wait.

 

[kiwisally]

Would be happy to trade your definition of "misery" for mine if you are game?

 

[poppy62]

Carpal Tunnel will give you tingling and pain in your fingers, also weakness that comes and goes and trouble holding a pen.
I know this because I had it in both hands and had de comp ression ops to resolve it.

 

[LukeM]

Would be happy to trade your definition of "misery" for mine if you are game?

No, and I apologize.

 

[kiwisally]

No need to apologise. I wouldn't wish this on anyone ....even if I could. Just get a grip and be thankful. Best of luck to you mate.

 

[LukeM]

I see you're from NZ, I see your All Blacks just gave us another whipping

Yeah I hope everything is alright, very anxious at the moment.

 

[kiwisally]

Yes they did but I reckon your boys are getting used it by now. :smile: