Concerned about ALS

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HenrykNowicki

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Learn about ALS
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I have read and reviewed the general information provided on the forum outlining what is and what is not ALS.

My question stands, however.

As early as 2019, February I experienced twitching throughout most muscle groups, followed by some hand and foot aches - these eventually went away after 2-3 weeks.

To date, 2019, June, I am still experiencing some twitching throughout the body. The hand aches have also returned in my left hand and it seems a little weaker, but also nearly every time I wake in the morning it is numb and tingly, quite clearly isolated to the ring and pinky finger. After a few moments of being awake, it goes away. This began approx. 1 month back.

I am not certain it is true weakness, as I still performed my exercises routine which included biking and holding 20lb weights in each hand.

In 2019, March, I visited my physician after approx 3 weeks of twitching symptoms. In 2019, April I visited a Neurologist, with a specialty in neuro-muscular disorders. The outcome of the visit, was not disorder at all was suspected, no testing recommended, and no follow up necessary to be scheduled.

Based on this, do I have any thing to be concerned about? I have never experienced these hand aches before. Do I need to follow up with the doctor?

Vitals: Male, 25 years old, White.
 
All you report is twitching, sensory symptoms, and perceived weakness. A neurologist did not find true weakness. So, you’re good to go. No ALS.

If you are still anxious about the possibility of ALS, then you have an anxiety problem and will benefit by seeking help for that.
 
@KarenNWendyn Thank You for the note, the doctor examined reflexes, tested for weakness, watched me walk, and examined my body for twitches I could not see or feel i.e. those on my back, chest other areas. Ironically, during the visit I did not twitch - so the doctor could not examine the fasculation. You don't see any need to visit the doctor again? Surely he would've caught something of concern 6 weeks ago?

In his BFS diagnoses, he didn't even mention risk factors or age, etc when explaining he did not suspect any disorder (not just ALS).

Thanks again, Karen
Henryk
 
Fasciculations are so common, it doesn’t really matter whether or not the doctor saw them. Yes, if there was something of concern, he would have offered you followup.
 
Karen, I think you are right in this case, thanks for your input. One area for clarification - you mentioned perceived weakness - I don't disagree at all. Even having my hand "curl" up a bit and it being slightly more difficult to extend it flat, compared to the right hand.

Unlikely ALS would present with twitching throughout and aches in the hand as well as "perceived weakness in 1-2 fingers only?

@KarenNWendyn any thoughts on above? Would it even present like this? With achey hands?
 
Henry, folk will answer if and when they can. Please be patient if you don't receive immediate answers as members here have lives and things that require their energy outside of this forum. I will also note that this forum is primarily in support of those who are caregivers or who have already been diagnosed with ALS. This small subforum, while useful for a few initial questions, is not to be used as a personal healthcare resource or in place of a visit with an actual doctor.
 
@ShiftKicker Sorry, I didn't mean to come off as antsy or rude. I was just curious - perhaps you can weigh in?

I, unlike others who post here our of pure anxiety, have taken the steps and seen a neuro muscular specialist, who did not suspect anything. He did not even recommend a follow up or any testing. Based on the achy hands and numbness I sometimes experience upon waking in the pinky/ring finger, is it worth it to go see him again 6 weeks later re: ALS?
 
Unlikely ALS would present with twitching throughout and aches in the hand as well as "perceived weakness in 1-2 fingers only?

@KarenNWendyn any thoughts on above? Would it even present like this? With achey hands?
I don’t see ALS in your post. Achy hands is not ALS.
 
@KarenNWendyn @ShiftKicker Thanks guys!

You don't think there's a cause of concern my pinky is seeming off/weak, pinky and ring finger. But I haven't had any functional issues yet... I just noticed it's a bit harder compared to my right hand using those 2 fingers in isolation with the thumb vs using the whole hand.
 
"Seeming weak" isn't weak.

Weak is you can't do something. At all. Karen is right -- you have nothing to worry about.

All the best.
 
@lgelb Thank you lgelb, will do. Weakness... I would know if I had weakness? If one or 2 of my fingers was weak, I would'nt be able to pick up 100lbs in that hand would I? Just went for a run on the treadmill and decided to see if I could hold the heaviest dumbbell the gym offered.

Thanks,
 
Yes, you would know. That is how the people here who really have ALS found it out.

I'm closing this thread now because you can appreciate that people with ALS find it a bit much to read about someone who can lift 100 lb in one hand and is still worried. If the aches persist, you might ask about PT and stretches to follow. Enjoy your good health.
 
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