Any thoughts on what this could be? Also, looking for Neuro in DC/DMV Area.

[hopeful_DC]

Hi,

Am writing as have been experiencing symptoms, that on one-hand seem to lean towards ALS, and on the other hand something else, though am not sure what. Posting as perhaps one of the symptoms sounds like something that should be considered and point me to additional neuromuscular boards. Also, am looking for Dr. recommendations in the DMV area.

One symptom is that a Dr. noticed my right calf has some atrophy and is more flaccid than the left one. I had a pulsating sensation in this calf (stopped now) that had occurred for a couple weeks which is why I went to Dr. Up until that point, I had not noticed anything other than pulsating. I saw on the "read before you post" that "weakness comes before atrophy", and so I don't know what to make of the Dr.'s observation. EMG planned in a few weeks. This pulsating has happened elsewhere and been short-lived (few days off and on).

An odd symptom is that throughout both legs and arms will get a "charged" feeling like muscles about to burst out shaking. When it happens. this feeling stays around most of day. Sometimes feels like legs and arms are "buckling" as if carrying something heavy. Arms/legs affected; hands and feet seem ok. Not where just one limb has this sensation. This doesn't happen every day. I have had Myasthenia gravis tests that come back negative.

Thoughts? I suppose upcoming EMG looms large.

Also, I have a resident neuro now, and in addition would like to see someone with lots of clinical experience. For the DMV area, does anyone have any recommendations for a particular Dr. or neurology department?

Thanks!
DC

 

[Nikki J]

I think I would wait for the emg results before picking a new doctor as there are many possible causes and it would be a waste to see a superspecialist in one disease if that isn’t where the emg points That said Hopkins is the obvious choice and where my sister went after a diagnosis at GWU. not DC but should be reachable

 

[affected]

In ALS weakness comes before atrophy, but muscles may shrink, enlarge or atrophy for a host of other reasons with or without clinical weakness in a huge number of other conditions.
So if a doctor has seen atrophy, but you have no clinical weakness, that is a great sign so far as ALS.