Scared About Symptoms & EMG Findings

[ChelseaB]

Hello Everyone,

I am hoping for some advice or helpful feedback regarding my situation.

Back in June, I started having issues with my right arm. To summarize, I noticed quite a bit of twitching in my bicep & tricep, as well as pain in my fingers, hands and trap/shoulder area.

Being 31 years old, I really didn't give it too much thought. Regardless, after a visit to my primary, they referred me to a Neuro, who ordered an EMG.

The following was my initial EMG results in June:

This is a partly abnormal EMG, there is electro-diagnostic evidence on EMG only for bilateral, mild, chronic denervation, most c/w cervical polyradiculopathy in C5-6 distribution.

Last week, I had a follow up EMG as my symptoms haven't really improved in the last four months. More noticeably, my twitching in the arm appears to have become much more pronounced - especially at rest. At this time, my reflexes are appear normal and I only have perceived weakness / fatigue. At least I can still do some physical exercises like push-ups or bicep curls.

While I don't have the latest EMG results yet, my neuro said that during the exam he did notice fasiculations when he stuck my bicep, but said it could be due when I was contracting the muscle (at request). I suppose this part still confuses me.

When the test concluded, he said he believes it's most likely not ALS/MND, but wants to refer to me a specialist for a 2nd opinion.

At this time, I'm just very worried and perhaps looking for a bit of advice. Particularly why if he isn't convinced I have ALS, that he would be seeking a 2nd opinion in terms of a specialist?

Thank you in advice for any feedback.

 

[Nikki J]

Hi Chelsea

We really can not begin to guess the motivation of an unknown neurologist. We recently had a case here where someone was told he had ALS by a neurologist based on twitching alone. That diagnosis was overturned by his second opinion and the original neurologist was spoken to. My point is that apparently some neurologists overreact to twitching.

Without knowing if your neurologist saw anything new besides twitching all I can say if your symptomsof twitching and fatigue perceived weakness are often seen in bfs and your original EMG repirt would not make me worry about ALS. If you get the second EMG report and it shows something new besides the twitching it might be more obvious what his thought processes are