Is this ALS?

[dan215]

For the past two weeks, I have had fasisculations, starting in my calves, spreading to the rest of my body. They seem to jump from area to area, except for being constant and very visible in my calves. The fascics have quieted down a bit in terms of intensity, but both of my legs are really stiff. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I have had clinical weakness, and the soreness has appeared bilaterally in both my arms and my legs. I have also had laryngospasm and trouble breathing - although I have a history of both asthma and heartburn.

I had my blood tested - and while all vitamins were normal, I had an elevated creatine kinase level of 402.

The mild to moderate elevation of creatine kinase - I have read - is often indicative of MND. I am having it retested - as a ck of 400 could be reflective of a thyroid problem.

That said, do you think that this complex of symptoms could be a reflection of als? The widespread fasisculations and elevated levels of creatine kinase without exercising have my neurologist concerned that I could be a candidate for ALS, although there are a lot of other less aggressive things that could cause my constellation of symptoms.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[BlueandGold]

Sounds like you've seen a Neurologist. Was it a general neurologist or a neuromuscular specialist? I can't imagine any neuro would suggest ALS without performing all the necessary tests for mimics and/or performing an EMG/NCS. Fasciculations without weakness are not indicative of ALS, and I'm talking true clinical weakness not "feeling" weak.

Best of luck to you.

Vince

 

[dan215]

Hi Vince,

Thanks for your response. I guess I should have been clearer. It was a neurologist, although he has some experience in electrodiagnostic medicine and neuromuscular disease. He suggested not that I had ALS, but he could not rule out ALS - though . I do not have true clinical weakness as of currently - so I'm in the process of waiting and seeing. As it becomes clearer that my symptoms are not progressing, I will feel much more confident that this is not ALS.

Anyway, we are doing some further blood work before determining if an EMG is warranted.

Best,
Dan

 

[Atsugi]

Follow your doctor's advice, but I wouldn't worry about ALS if I were you. Vince is right--it doesn't look like ALS to me, either.