Pinched Cervical Nerve/ALS symptoms

[anon3183]

Is anyone on here aware how closely symtoms of these can mimic each other (weakness, atrophy, etc.)? Is there anyone on here that has had experience with this?

 

[Kristin01]

I was told that a pinched nerve could cause sensation changes as well as mild feelings of weakness. I'm sure that if a nerve is damaged, it can also cause atrophy. The other day, I had an EMG of my entire body...well 3 legs, my back and neck. Everything was pretty much normal except for my cervical region, which showed increased insertional activity, but no spontaneous activity. I was told by one doctor that this could indicate a mildly pinched nerve even though the nerve conduction study was normal, or it could be due to the fact that my muscles were too tense during the needle part of the neck, since he literally pricked me 10 times in the neck, and it was uncomfortable to say the least. I remember him saying that there was no spontaneous activity and I actually questioned him to see if he left the needle in long enough to be able to even pick up on any fibs or psws and he said he did. I guess he was putting so many needles in that I really couldn't tell how long each one was in there for.

Have you had an EMG or NCS? If so, what have they shown? The doctor who did the test wants me to get an EMG of my c-spine, but the ALS specialist I have seen things that I simply had poor relaxation in the cervical muscles due to it being a difficult part of the body to completely relax and being pricked one right after the other.

What has been your experience?

 

[GlenBrittle]

OK ... I gotta ask. 3 Legs ?

 

[anon3183]

EMG is next step for me. Actually meet with neuro today and EMG has been set up for end of this month. My main problems are arm/hand weakness in one side, some muscle atrophy in forearm and shoulder area of that side. A lot of fascics throughout body, especially in affected arm (most of all in shoulder and lats). Increased sensory disturbances, weakness, and fatigue over last two months.
The thing that brought me here was that I actually had cervical spine surgery about three months ago for a ruptured disc, and while all of the pain has been relieved, many of the other neurological and muscle problems that I was having before the surgery have remained. MRIs have ruled out any problems with the surgery, so my neurosurgeon and primary doctor are stumped. I came across a journal article online that talked about a small percentage of people in the early stages of ALS unnecessarily having the surgery I had to "correct" their symptoms. Now, I realize that a small percentage of people with ALS would mean a REALLY small percentage of the general population, but at this point I am concerned and a little scared about the things going on with my body. I have had far more questions than answers, which is probably the norm for quite a few of the people on here. The EMG will hopefully shine some light on things.

You also don't know how grateful I am to the people that have actually been diagnosed that provide some insight. You are all very courageous people. No matter how this turns out for me, I will do my best to raise awareness and support of ALS in the future.

 

[awieleba]

Kristin~

The same thing happen to me during emg on my paraspinal part. I could not relax and jumped everytime he poked me! He thought increased insertional activity but my ALS neuro said no, that I was not relaxed enough. I have thought about it and when I got my latest emg I was gonna try really hard to relax on that part but the ALS doc wouldnt even finish the emg as he/she felt he could rule out with out even completing it!

Anon~

I know this is a difficult time for you. I am sure that the emg will shine some light on what is going. Are your sx in your hands/arms only?

Glenn~

LOL, I think she ment 3 limbs!

 

[anon3183]

Symptoms mainly in left hand/arm. Muscle atrophy and noticeable and measured weakness (by doc and PT). Doctor said as far as strength, right side 5 out of 5, left side 3 or 4 out of 5. So not clinical weakness, if that makes sense. Fasciculations in all four limbs and sensory disturbances. Perceived weakness in right hand. Neuro this afternoon, emg late this month on all four limbs. Hope to get some answers then. As you all know, being in limbo about this is stressful and taxing on the mind and body. It is increasingly difficult to remain calm leading up to the emg. I am still going to PT, no better, no worse so far. Is this a good idea to continue exercising? I haven't discussed my ALS fears with my PT yet.

 

[anon3183]

Went to neuro today. Gave me some good insight as to what is possibly going on. Reflexes and Hoffman's (?) normal. Very definite weakness and atrophy in left hand and forearm. Obviously awaiting an EMG for a more specific outlook. Neuro felt strongly, in abscence of other obvious symptoms, that the weakness, atrophy, and fascics were residual effects/damage from herniated disc and subsequent surgery. Discussed ALS fears and was told that, while possible down the line, would be pretty unlikely. However did say that the weakness and atrophy was somewhat extensive and uncommon for a person at my age and in my overall physical condition. Thanks for the advice and input-I'm going to try to chill out for the next couple weeks and have a positive outlook about the upcoming EMG. Fascics possibly just a response to increased post-surgery activity and unused muscles being taxed. Didn't have any visible (to neuro) fascics during 30 minute check-up. She thought that would be very inconsistent with an ALS diagnosis. Thanks again to those that have previously responded-many of you are very mentally strong individuals with a great outlook on life. Regardless of what my outcome is, you (especially those who have been diagnosed) are a great example of how all of us should be mentally approaching these symptoms and endless tests, as well as life in general.