Odds it's not ALS

[scared42]

Hello, my mom has been recently been told by a neurologist that it is likely ALS. Her symptoms are a large loss of muscle mass in one arm, hyperreflexia and a sore arm. She does not claim to struggle lifting items with this arm except for the pain. No EMG nor MRI has been done yet, however the neurologist claims that is likely ALS. I remain hopeful that it might not be. Thank you for the help.

 

[GregK]

Get a differe t neurologist.

Seriously.

 

[lgelb]

Agreed, this neuro doesn't sound like the one to go through the diagnostic process with. I would find your closest center on this map, and the Canucks here can chime in with suggestions.

Best,
Laurie

 

[starente15]

Agree. Find a new doc!

 

[Lkaibel]

Agree with all! Find a specialist!

I am hearing about how among some non neuromuscular specialist doctors, ALS is disease of the week and they seem to be throwing it out there way to soon based on poor evidence. I recall a time in the 80's when MS awareness was big and GP's started yapping about it to every woman with a buzz or tremor. Even some neuros got on the bandwagon and they did not have all the tests they do now.

Best wishes for your mom. Please ask her not to return to that guy.

 

[scared42]

Hello all, thank you for your feedback. I would just like everybody to know that an EMG will be done on Monday and an MRI next wednesday, both will be done by the same neurologist (can't easily switch as we are in a small town in Canada), however we hope that the EMG will reveal something different. After that she will seek a second opinion from an ALS specialist. My anxiety and I'm sure her anxiety will be through the roof until Monday.

 

[ShiftKicker]

Scared- Best wishes for next week. Your mum is very fortunate to get an EMG appointment so soon. It sounds like the neurologist has set things in motion to make sure she receives the best possible care as quickly as possible.

Note to those who are used to an American model of care- Canadians are not able to shop around for new neurologists. Specialists are few and far between, and there is only one ALS centre per Province (if at all). For places like rural Quebec, there is likely only one option when it comes to seeing a neurologist. A second opinion would be the one given by an ALS Centre- the first being given by the original neurologist seen.

 

[KimT]

Best wishes for next week.

 

[starente15]

Wishing you the best next week!

 

[Lkaibel]

Best wishes indeed for next week. Yes- I must pay attention to where people are from.

Very lucky to get an EMG so soon! It took us nearly a month here even.

 

[scared42]

Hey everyone, I would like to update you.

The EMG today showed normal in her affected arm, with a facilitation in a leg . After that EMG, the neurologist said ALS is much less likely than he initially thought. He now believes it is likely Monomelic amyotrophy. There is still much work left to be done to figure out what is wrong - she has a MRI scheduled for Wednesday, but hearing the doctor say that is quite the relief. I would like to thank you all for your help.

Best wishes

 

[GregK]

Excellent.

 

[Lkaibel]

That is great news!