Concerns

[JohnLop]

Hello - I am looking for some advice based on some recent symptoms. I have been experiencing muscle twitching for a few months all over. Recently I have been having some issues with my hands. I have been dropping things and feel as though I do not have complete control over my hand movements. I am not as precise with my movements and and coordination. I can successfully walk on heels and tip toes but I am not sure if that is truly a way to self diagnose. At times I will experience muscle jerks primarily in my neck. Hoping someone can help me better understand if these symptoms are indicative of ALS. Thank you.

 

[ShiftKicker]

John, have a read of this pinned post https://www.alsforums.com/forum/do-...-common-concerns-about-possible-symptoms.html to reassure yourself.

I would caution you about using the term "self diagnose". That is a red flag here for a whole variety of reasons. The only person who can diagnose ALS is a neuromuscular specialist. Self testing, self assessment and self diagnosis are all wildly inaccurate and not at all how a person discovers they have ALS and is also the hallmark of a person with health anxiety.

The post linked above provides a whole host (though not complete) of things that can cause symptoms similar to ALS. And to be frank, imprecise movements and muscle twitching are indicative of anything from nothing at all to structural problems and pinched nerves. You should start by visiting with a doctor to start hunting down the causes of your perceived hand issues and not dialing it straight to 11 with fears you have a terminal disease.

 

[lgelb]

This could all be something or nothing. There is no way to "self-diagnose" ALS or any other neuromuscular disease even before you get to the fact that onset can be in different regions, so your primary care doc is the place to start.

Best,
Laurie

 

[JohnLop]

Thank you for the responses that you have provided. I realize that self diagnosis of ALS is not reasonable but based on some of the responses I have read on here had mentioned walking on toes and heels are potential red flags. So I apologize for sounding naive. While I have not necessarily noticed any weakness, the twitching has seemed to increase to many locations but is most persistent in my lower right calf. I also realize a common theme is that twitching means nothing but it seems it just depends on who responds to what thread. Curious if I am crazy or this can be a serious symptom of ALS? Thank you for any input.

 

[ShiftKicker]

Have a look at the link provided above. It addresses the forum stance on twitching and a whole variety of other information about ALS.

If you have serious questions about your personal health you need to go to a doctor- you've asked your questions and received responses already. This forum provides basic information only and is not to replace proper medical attention.

 

[JohnLop]

Hello - Just wanted to give a quick update. Went and saw PCP this week who did visual and some tests by hand. No medical instruments we're used other than the reflex hammer. Thought everything looked ok. Ran blood tests for blood count, B-12, thyroid and all came back ok. Said to come back after first of year if twitching hasn't subsided. Thanks for reading.

 

[lgelb]

Thanks for the update, John, and enjoy the season thus reassured. I hope some of your peers follow your good example and get themselves to a PCP.

Best,
Laurie