Just had initial Neurologist consult........

Notes from my ENT doctor:

"The fiberoptic upper airway evaluation is significant for moderate laryngopharyngeal reflux. Continue once daily Protonix 40 mg and begin Pepcid 20 mg in the evenings. Follow-up with his personal Gastroenterologist (Dr. XXXXXX) for consideration of EGD.
The overall clinical picture is consistent with chronic pharyngeal neuropathy with secondary neurogenic cough."

Is pharyngeal neuropathy and/or neurogenic cough associated with ALS or similar diseases? I was not familiar with these conditions until my ENT visit.
 
See Laryngeal sensory neuropathy: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Nothing to do with ALS -- just irritated sensory nerves. The Protonix and Pepcid will hopefully help calm things down, though as with all GI meds in these classes, you don't want to stay on them forever. Diet can also play a role, as can when/how much you eat at a time, so that can be something to tinker with, keep a diary, etc.
 
Good news......I had my NCV/EMG tests today, and the results were completely normal. The doctor tested my left leg/foot, left arm/hand, and paraspinal muscles. He said that he saw no evidence of motor neuron disease at this time. He also offered to repeat the test in the future if my symptoms continued or worsened.

As of now it appears that my throat issues (mucus, cough) are due to "silent" laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The cause of my irregular SpO2 and pulse during sleep is unknown, but I will address that with my PCP, and hopefully a sleep study. The cause of my fasciculations, cramps, and perceived weakness is also unknown at this time, but per the EMG does not appear to be ALS. I will discuss this at my next neurologist appointment, as I would definitely like to find an explanation for my various symptoms if possible.

So, the bottom line is that it appears that ALS is off the table for now. I am realistic, and I know that this could change depending on how my symptoms progress. I also know that it is possible that a future EMG may reveal problems. But I also realize that for now there is no need for me to focus exclusively on ALS, or to worry about what might be. I need to accept that tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us, and I just need to do a better job of living in the moment and not taking anything in life for granted.

I want to sincerely thank all of you on this forum who patiently answered my questions, and offered valuable insights and advice. Your support was more helpful than you know. You are all really making a difference for people -- PALS, CALS, and those concerned about their symptoms/diagnosis. Thank you!
 
Thanks for circling back -- it does help others. I would start with the sleep study before delving more into more exotic neurology.

All the best wishes for your future health.
 
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