Clarity re: spasticity

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TedTurtle

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Learn about ALS
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Hi everyone,

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

I am hoping someone could please kindly attempt to explain spasticity to me. I have searched these forums, read definitions off the internet and remain very confused.

History of me for context
- feelings of weakness in hands and feet since Apr 2021
- fasciculations, primarily in lower legs but also elsewhere, every day since Aug 2021
- gradual increase and spread in muscle ‘soreness’ since Feb 21 (this is leading to my seeking help with spasticity. It started in just my spine to shoulder blade on one side, is now also in neck, bicep, calf and foot.

- brain and spine MRIs clear in Apr & Nov
- neuro saw hyper reflexia in Aug & Nov but no atrophy or clinical weakness
- EMG and NCS ‘within normal limits’ ok Aug and Nov

I have a repeat visit with him in April but the muscle issues have spread to multiple locations since I last saw him. Plus, the original back/shoulder muscle issue I never mentioned last year as I just assumed it was poor posture at PC all day.
I now feel weak to walk due to calf and foot issues. I can certainly still walk but it feels like balance and foot strength are becoming more problematic and have nearly fallen (rolled on ankle) 10ish times in the last month.

So I’m just seeking a little clarity on anyones experience or understanding of what spasticity feels like.
My back/shoulder blade just feels tight and raw and stretching it feels amazing (physiotherapist for 3+ months hasn’t fixed it).
My calf feels almost like a ‘mini cramp’ - it’s just a niggling, irritating feeling that is present whenever I walk.

Many thanks for any assistance or clarity that you might be able to provide.

Just to add clarity, the neuro (neuromuscular specialist) was concerned about the ‘weakness’, reflexes and fascics, but could find no diagnosis and wants to repeat EMG in April to check progress.

I’ve also read the handy help guide and appreciate the pointers that it provides. I guess I’m concerned that with these further muscular developments, a future EMG may start to show something unpleasant.

Thanks again
 
What you perceive as spasticity may not be at all.

Even if it were, that doesn't mean ALS.

Soreness/stiffness that stretches out isn't ALS, and not everything is diagnosable. Rolling your ankle more often isn't necessarily anything at all, and your mind can make you feel weak and act shaky, once you are worried.

I would ask about physio, honestly, for a fuller picture of how you might come to feel better. I doubt the April EMG will change significantly.

Best,
Laurie
 
We prefer to let doctors explain these things in context with your situation as they examine you.
If we say it is like this or that, we find people start reporting those thing here.

So it is better if you work with your doctors. I can assure that sore muscles is not spasticity however, and that spasticity is not about what it 'feels like' but about being clinically diagnosed and your doctor hasn't mentioned this it seems.
 
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