Help

[annmarieg]

I had neck surgery in 2011 and when I work up from the surgery, my right hand and arm were greatly affected particularly my thumb. The motor function is gradually improving and I am being followed by a neurologist. I have been receiving physical therapy for over 3 months and I feel as if I am improving.

Today, I went for an EMG and NCS on both arms. My doc first examined me and said he could see that I have improved strength wise including my thumb. Then came the conduction studies. He found a conduction block in my right thumb which he said was consistent with ALS. He also said that it could be due to an autoimmune disease or possibly a result to the surgery. He's doing tests to see if it is autoimmune. I have also been experiencing cramping in my middle finger on my right hand and it is swollen - almost like a trigger finger.

He said I have carpal tunnel in my right hand as well. He compared my previous nerve studies and said they have improved and that the previous study showed that they could not even obtain a reading on the medial nerve that is part of the thumb nerve root previously. He told me he doesn't think it is ALS but I am really scared. Can someone help me with this as I have read about cramping & trigger finger as possible symptoms.

Thank you.

 

[Atsugi]

Personally, I think it was irresponsible of the doctor to mention a fatal disease before he had solid evidence. Now he thinks it isn't ALS! Conduction block is a factor in many things. It doesn't mean ALS.

Cramping and trigger finger are common. ALS is rare. Don't go looking for a rare, fatal disease with such scant evidence. Relax and be happy your motor functions are improving. ALS NEVER improves.

 

[skipper66]

I agree with Atsugi. In my opinion that doctor was way out of line. You don't appear to have ALS symptoms from what your describing right now anyway. Sorry, you are having any issues at all though. Good luck to you and I hope you keep improving.

 

[Diane H]

With ALS there is no return of strength or function, even very slowly. Conduction blocks are NOT consistent with ALS. The reverse is true. The presence of a conduction block is reason to rule out ALS and look for autoimmune causes such as Multifocal Motor Neuropathy, Multiple Sclerosis, Myastenia or other treatable disease. Ask for a referral to an MDA approved medical center where you will be seen by a specialist in sorting out the long list of often overlapping neuromuscular problems.

 

[Dusty7]

I agree with all. Does not sound at all like ALS.

 

[GilWest]

You have other underlying conditions that account for your symptoms. ALS nerve impairment never improves.