Scared: Issues Swallowing + Stiff Jaw and face muscles + tingling

[Manuel89]

Hello everyone,

First of all, I want to say that I have of course read the post "READ BEFORE POSTING! Answers to common concerns about possible symptoms," but there are some things I don't understand in my case. I know that you can't give me a diagnosis and that only a doctor can do that, but you have a lot of experience, and maybe this is a case that you can clearly rule out.

I am a 35-year-old man with several strange symptoms for about a year now.I know it is very likely related to or a psychological manifestation like anxiety or something, but I am very scared that it could be a neurological issue, specifically ALS or BULBAR ONSET.

I have to say that I have an appointment with a Neurologist in 4 weeks, but I would also like to get your advice.

My symptoms are as follows:

• For about a year now, I have noticed difficulties swallowing (nothing has ever gotten stuck) – it's just that I have to chew a lot before I can swallow. This only happens with solid food (not with liquids or very moist foods). It has reached the point where, when I eat with my partner or friends, they have to wait a long time because it takes me 3 or 4 times longer than them, as I have to take small bites and chew them thoroughly. I also have a dry mouth sensation when eating, so when I take a sip of water, it does help. I’ve had a gastroscopy, and the doctor said that it seems incompatible with the symptoms. This symptom has not worsened over the year... I perceive it as the same or almost the same as when it started.
• About 2 months ago, I started feeling very fatigued in the muscles of my face and jaw. The sensation is such that no matter what position I’m in, my jaw is not able to "rest." It’s not pain, but a lot of tension, and it's very uncomfortable to the point where I feel like I have difficulty articulating sometimes (I have to say that no one has mentioned noticing that I speak strangely or differently, but I feel like my jaw is stiff).
• Also, about 2 months ago I started to notice fasciculations (twitching) and a tingling sensation in parts of my face (lips, cheekbones) very, very lightly from time to time (I don’t think anyone else would notice them), but I do. I notice them often after eating.

My question to you is basically whether you think I should be worried. Could it be ALS based on what I described? Considering that one of the symptoms has been present for almost a year, would it be very unlikely to be ALS given that the progression would be much faster and I would have more severe and numerous symptoms?
Also, any advice regarding my visit to the Neuro?

Thank you very much, and best regards and I wish everyone here all the best.

 

[lgelb]

Eating is a big exercise for the jaw, and you also describe jaw fatigue and tightness. It's also possible that since chewing is harder, you are leaving bigger bites for your throat to deal with. But some people do have dry mouth, and Biotene products and saline sprays may help (as well as drinking lots of liquids as you are, throughout the day, and before/after eating).

Some people also find relief in sucking on low-sugar cough drops (Ludens is good) to stimulate saliva flow. You could see an ENT just to rule out any salivary gland stones or tumors, and then if there is nothing to that, I would see a dentist about trying a bite guard at night to rest your jaw. If you grind your teeth in sleep or clench during the day when there is stress, that can make it more difficult for the jaw to function normally.

I don't think you have ALS.