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JohnStatic

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Learn about ALS
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whttier
I read the stickies and understand my chances of having ALS at 30 is extremely rare. However since last week I noticed a constant localized twitching at the Brachioradialis area. I suffer from anxiety and OCD, so the first twitch was noticed immediately. It's been going on off and on all day for 4 days straight now.

Since day 2 I stop drinking caffeine however my anxiety and stress are an all time low the past 2 months, my sleep is horrible and I sit all day at the computer, 12-14 hours a day.

Symptoms:

1. Possible scoliosis, I remember my dr telling me at 6 years old to stand up straight. Now after 10 years of sitting carelessly at computer my posture is affected and I tend to favor one side of my body when sitting. When I do stand up, you cannot tell I have bad posture but sitting posture is bad.

2. Past 4 days I experienced localized "hot spot" visible twitching at Brachioradialis area of left forearm.


3. Tense muscle feeling on left arm after working out. I had this about 6 years ago, I doubt it's related to ALS. But i perceive my left arm to be weaker than right, which can be attributed to me being a right handed?


I'm getting my spine checked soon but should I ask for a neurologist visit? Chances of it being BFS or ALS?

Since I have health anxiety I experienced various "symptoms" that sent me to various docs and ER rooms. So far I had these test which are unrelated to my newest concern: brain ct scan, abdominal ultrasound, ct scan w/contrast abdominal, leg Doppler ultrasound, cbc, liver test, autoimmune hep, autoimmune ANA test, kidney, pancreas and various heart test. All came back normal.
 
I think you need to get a new hobby, and one away from the computer. You KNOW you have health anxiety, and still you're here about something that's been going on 4 days.

Get a dog and focus your attention on something other than yourself, and get some exercise in the process. Or go volunteer at a shelter and just walk dogs... its amazing how much better one feels when getting fresh air and helping some else. And stay away from trying to diagnose yourself on line... good luck.
 
Thanks for the suggestion. I agree with you 100% that I need to be more productive outside the home.

What about the localized twitching? I do not have twitching anywhere else.

It will take a month or so until I am able to see nuero and get an EMG. I see people being reassured on these forums because their twitch is not localized so it's not a concern. It seems like it's always benign when twitching is widespread and not localized in hot spot area.
 
Localized twitching of non dominant arm= muscle fatigue exacerbated by overall fatigue from poor sleep and anxiety. Please try to get away from computer searches and enjoy life!
 
ALS is a complex disease and especially in early stages not easy to diagnose.
ALS commonly starts focal and asymetric (in case of limb onset).

If you have fasciculations it could be the Benign Fasciculation Syndrome (B.F.S.).

Also anxiety may cause or amplify some of your mentioned symptoms. To rule out any disorder it is the best way to visit your doctor. And until this examination, avoid the I-n-t-e-r-n-e-t.


Hope this helps.

NH
 
4 days? At least you waited a tad longer than the other 20 minute poster before considering a fatal disease.

I had symptoms for some 480 days before even thinking of seeing my GP.

In those 480 days, I was living my life, having fun -you know- normal everyday stuff. I may have been twitching, but paid it no mind.

All this to say, why not wait 116 days and then see about it? In the interim, get out there and live your life. Wholeheartedly. Twitching or not. Don't miss out!:)
 
Nikki, you're most likely dead on.

In the mean time I will try to take everyone suggestion but it's easier said than done. It's hard to get in the moment when you're thinking ALS at 30. It's going to be rough 3-4 weeks until I get a certain diagnosis. Hopefully EMG show only Benign Fasciculation Syndrome.
 
If it's so durn hard thinking about ALS - stop thinking about it! Oh woe that I could!

I agree with you - Nikki J is "dead on", but you don't really believe that do ya?

Who runs to a specialist because of a couple of days of twitching? Everybody has twitches.
Why not see a GP about it first? They are qualified and can do a basic neuro exam.
What makes you so sure a neuro will actually order an EMG? Cuz you say so?
When will you address your most curable problem? Anxiety. Before it wrecks your life.

ALS does NOT start with fasciculations. Trust me, twitching is the least of it.

C'mon John, be honest - Did you really read the stickies? Are you really seeking information, or just a confirmation of what you really think.

Geesh!
 
Updates, symptoms have gone away. I was dealing with lots of stress, no sleep and anxiety. I switched my routine and have been fine since. So i'm 100% sure it's not ALS.

So for anyone googling and they run into my post, stay calm, it's completely normal to twich time to time, even if it's localized.

ottawa girl, Nighthawk, HelenL and Nikki are correct. Does not sound like ALS at all.
 
I am glad you feel better. Thanks for reporting back.
Have a long and happy life!
Best wishes
Nikki
 
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