My mom - good chance it's ALS - not sure

[yobethb]

My mom is 72 years old. About one year ago she noticed her right (main) hand losing strength and tingling. She says when she went to brush her hair the hairbrush would just drop out her hand. At this point, her hand just flops around and she unable to utilize the hand, cannot even lift a finger. She has also lost range of motion with the arm. She has been to numerous doctors, one even did a carpel tunnel op. She has had two EMG's and MRI's. The EMG's did not come back clean but the MRI was clean. She doesn't have slurred speech, trouble swallowing, but does claim (at times) breathing can be difficult (could be anxiety) and can still walk 4 miles but it's the right hand that is the concern. I recently visited the doctor with her who did a strength test on the left hand and stated that there is loss of strength. She now has tingling in her toes. This last visit to the doctor, he stated that if he just looked at her EMGs and her physical state he would call it ALS but since there are some sensory issues (pain) he wants to investigate further with blood tests, pulmonary tests, spinal tap and another EMG. At this point, one year in, we just want to know what is wrong so we can plan accordingly. Thanks ahead of time and feel free to ask me questions, I will do my best to answer.

 

[Nikki J]

Posting a copy with her name removed of the emg report would help us answer. Also is this doctor neuromuscular?

 

[yobethb]

Posting a copy with her name removed of the emg report would help us answer. Also is this doctor neuromuscular?

Thank you for responding. I have attached my mom's first EMG. This EMG was taken prior to the trigger finger, carpel tunnel, ulnar operation. The second EMG is move extensive but I do not have a copy. My mom has been diagnosed with brachial plexopathy, as well as multifocal nephropathy. Needless to say, it's been a frustrating journey with no real diagnosis just yet. The last doctor that my mom seen is neuromuscular. Needless to say, the loss of her left hand is a game changer so we are hoping that a diagnosis come soon. Thank you again and your time is very appreciated.

 

[KarenNWendyn]

Her evaluation is still in progress. The tingling sensations and the fact that there are still many muscles that tested normal points away from ALS. I wouldn’t be so quick to conclude it’s ALS until she sees a neuromuscular specialist.