Hello Everyone

[ShiftKicker]

There are online resources- groups and forums- for health anxiety. ChatGPT is not a good idea- it returns plausible sounding but not always accurate information, including citing nonexistent research. This forum really is no replacement for a doctor and/or counseling. We've provided you information and reassurance. While we understand the desire for certainty, this does not seem to be something we can provide you here.

When is your appointment with the neuro?

 

[WellHereWeAre]

The results for the MRI and EEG - which I already know is at the end of the month. Both of those came back clean, so now I have to wait for them to tell me that and to schedule something else I imagine, meanwhile I have twitching in both calves - well nvm I summarized it up there already no need for me to write it out again. I just feel it getting worse, and I’m not really sure what to do or where to go from here as far as the issues I’m having. These neurological appointments are booked so far out.

 

[WellHereWeAre]

Hello everyone,

I recently completed an EMG and nerve conduction study and The CK blood test. All came back clean not elevated and— no denervation, no abnormal spontaneous activity, normal F-waves, normal motor and sensory nerve responses in all areas tested. But, little skeptical on the EMG as it only took like 5 minutes and I only have the needle holes on the top of my thighs. Nerve conduction took forever.

The clinical exam revealed no clear objective weakness or coordination loss at the time of the visit. Does note that right hand has slight coordination issues but strength still there. Reflexes were depressed throughout, and both calves appeared hypertrophic, though asymmetric with right calf being much smaller but still holding muscle. The neurologist noted that, while the presentation raises concern, especially with fasciculations, reported weakness, and coordination it would represent a very rapid onset if this were ALS. But because of the symptoms early ALS cannot be fully ruled out this soon. Which is very still worrisome for me.


Posting images of the actual EMG and NCS reports here for reference and transparency.

 

[lgelb]

An EMG does not have to be long to be definitive if the examiner knows what they are doing. It is a scarce resource so they are not going to prolong it.

Yours is 100% normal. You paraphrased rather than attached the report, but I very much doubt the neuro is deeply concerned about ALS. Of course, it's like the disclaimer on TV spots -- they're not going to say "I have a 100% accurate crystal ball for the rest of your life." There is no discussion of clinical weakness, and your self-report is not going to raise a lot of concern without that. Bilateral hypertrophy can relate to anything from training regimens to diet to normal genetic variation.

From what is here and what you've been concerned about, I really don't see ALS (nor, obviously, anything neurodegenerative that is in the scope of NCS/EMG) in this picture.

Another set of eyes on your story, whether with a counselor, friend, whoever, might help you better parse just how worried the evidence suggests you should be. Keep in mind that one issue can easily blossom into another using the power of your mind.

 

[WellHereWeAre]

Thank you for the reply and honest feedback.

You’ve been very helpful during this whole process. Since it started 11 weeks ago. Much appreciated!

My apologies, the report wasn’t very extensive.

I summarized what they wrote on the medical report in the portal.