Could this be ALS?

[Bihema]

Hi everyone,

I have read the top posts extensively, probably almost daily; just hoping for a bit of reassurance and I apologize if this post is insensitive.

I'm a 30 year old African American male, and I began have wide spread twitching back in December after an intense workout session.

I only have these twitches at rest sitting down, on the couch etc. Unfortunately google sent me down the rabbit hole and while I'm climbing back up, its been difficult.

Along with the twitching are sensory symptoms.

• Buzzing sensation at the side of my ankles and bottom of foot.
• Prickling, tingling, and a sense of numbness of my legs, even worse when I lay on my stomach or in a awkward posture, Occasionally, I have the same sensation on my hands and wrist area
• Widespread twitching, while resting. Chest, Buttock, Back, Neck, Eyes, Face, Biceps, Triceps, Arm, Calves, Thighs, Fingers ( which freaks me out the most)
• Shooting pain down my legs, very sporadic.
• Calve muscles feel sore sometimes
• Sore forearm (particularly my left) usually at night
• Random shots of pain in my wrists and hands
• Intense back pain in my lumbar area
• Stiffness or tightness in my left knee, occasional shots of pain and it comes and goes.

I went to my pcp in early January. I didn't lead on the conversation, he performed a Physical exam came out without any issues, no clinical weakness, gait issues, nothing.

Ive was given a referral to Neurology, however, I live in Boston, so neurology is booked out til June. I decided to wait two months or so and last week to see a Neuromuscular Specialist in NYC, again, I didn't lead on to anything; No clinical weakness nor gait issues etc. I did a sudomotor test and since I mentioned Ive been having some intense lumbar back pain she recommended EMG and sonogram or something.

Im actively trying to work on my health anxiety.

Can ALS start out this way? I think whats throwing me off is the stiffness and pain in my knee.

Thank you kindly for your answers and sorry again if I'm being insensitive and I wish you the very best.

 

[lgelb]

I'm a bit mystified. On what basis were you referred to neuro? And if a neuro recommended testing, why would you not follow up?

The short answer is, from what you describe, ALS is very unlikely but since you have received clinical recommendations for followup, I would...follow up. There could be a treatable spine issue, for example.

 

[Bihema]

My pcp referred me to neurology after we discussed the sensor symptoms, physical exam and twitching. I did the sudomotor test already and Im waiting for results. The emg would be this monday.

 

[lgelb]

Great, let us know how it goes.