Proximal myopathy?

[Kalliekaykat]

I’m hoping someone can give an opinion about my 51 year old loved one’s condition. His symptoms began about 2 years ago with weakness in his legs. Now he has a very hard time lifting his head, he can’t lift his arms above the elbow, can’t get himself up from a lift chair, and can’t lift his foot more than an inch (while standing). He has lost a lot of weight, and the muscles in his arms and legs are atrophied. His shoulder blades stick out, too, and the right side of his face is numb. He had an EMG/NCS that says he has “proximal myopathy”. I don’t know what that means. His nerves seem to be ok.

Does this sound like ALS? I am so ignorant about this and desperately want to learn and to help him He will have a muscle biopsy next week.

Blessings and prayers to all you PALS and CALS.

 

[Nikki J]

Myopathy means there is a muscle disease. This is completely different than ALS which is a motor neuron disease and would not be confused on emg. His doctor should explain to you and give you a plan. They may suggest a muscle biopsy. He should see a neuromuscular specialist but not an ALS one

 

[Kalliekaykat]

Ok. Thank you for your response. It helps a lot. Best wishes to you and others on this board.