LAmser
New member
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2019
- Messages
- 6
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Diagnosis
- 00/0000
- Country
- US
- State
- CA
- City
- Los Angeles
Hi everyone,
I was diagnosed with relapse remitting MS (multiple sclerosis) in 2017. Until now, I’ve been very lucky with only some temporary blurry vision for a few weeks and other sensory symptoms (numbness and tingling predominantly in my left arm). I’ve been on Tecfidera now for a while. However, last month I started getting symptoms of spasticity in my left leg. I can still walk without an aid, but get a lot of tightness/stiffness and the occasional subtle involuntary jerk when seated. My MS neuro is considering adjusting my medication and continues to recommend exercise, lowering stress etc.
However, in Googling spasticity I realized that people with ALS also suffer from spasticity, and that it involves upper motor neuron issues? That sent me into a spiral of worry that my new symptoms could perhaps not just be attributable to MS. The logical part of my brain says no, but I think I’ve just been shaken by this new flare.
A couple of questions:
1. Is spasticity in ALS the same as spasticity in MS?
2. How do you know the cause of spasticity?
3. Am I more likely to develop ALS given my MS diagnosis?
4. For those of you with spasticity, any tips on managing it? (I will of course discuss this with my neurologist too, but just in case anyone has practical tips).
Thank you so much for your time and help.
I was diagnosed with relapse remitting MS (multiple sclerosis) in 2017. Until now, I’ve been very lucky with only some temporary blurry vision for a few weeks and other sensory symptoms (numbness and tingling predominantly in my left arm). I’ve been on Tecfidera now for a while. However, last month I started getting symptoms of spasticity in my left leg. I can still walk without an aid, but get a lot of tightness/stiffness and the occasional subtle involuntary jerk when seated. My MS neuro is considering adjusting my medication and continues to recommend exercise, lowering stress etc.
However, in Googling spasticity I realized that people with ALS also suffer from spasticity, and that it involves upper motor neuron issues? That sent me into a spiral of worry that my new symptoms could perhaps not just be attributable to MS. The logical part of my brain says no, but I think I’ve just been shaken by this new flare.
A couple of questions:
1. Is spasticity in ALS the same as spasticity in MS?
2. How do you know the cause of spasticity?
3. Am I more likely to develop ALS given my MS diagnosis?
4. For those of you with spasticity, any tips on managing it? (I will of course discuss this with my neurologist too, but just in case anyone has practical tips).
Thank you so much for your time and help.