Very Concerned after 2 visits to the Neuro

[financeguy]

To start: I am a male, white, 23 years of age, 185lbs, 6 feet tall, and have NOT had an EMG

Timeline of events:
-February 2019: began twitching body wide
-April 2019: visited Neuro for a physical prior to requesting an EMG, he spent some time with me and thoroughly evaluated me ultimately issuing a BFS diagnosis, this was after 3 months of twitching, I had also had some hand aches and such
-September 2019: just last week I returned to him, he again tested me for strength, and other various sensory tests, focusing mainly on my hands/arms where I expressed a loss of dexterity in my left hand for sometime, and it hasn't ever gone away. This issue seems pretty isolated to the pinky/ring finger and from time to time they are numb upon waking up. There are very very mild aches associated at times, and I had some thumb aches, as well as mild ache in the muscle between thumb and index, which also seems to be atrophying.

Is this ALS?

My grip strength remains there, but fine motor tasks are awful with the left hand, typing this was uncomfortable from a ease stand point, and holding my phone is just well awkward. Digging through pockets, trying to find coins, well that's a challenge as well, maneuvering my fingers through. Additionally, if I extend my thumb, index and middle finger, and tuck my pinky and ring to the palm, I CANNOT, extend the ring finger in isolation (I can do this on the right hand side).

To be noted, I can still work out, for examples, I tested picking up the heaviest dumbell in gym (105LBS), held in the left hand, like I said the grip strength is there and I did pass the neuro test where you spread you fingers, and the doctor applies force to comrpess, and you need to resist.

Do I have ANYTHING to be worried about ALS wise?

 

[KarenNWendyn]

Please read this if you have not already done so: Important - READ BEFORE POSTING! Answers to common concerns about possible symptoms!

Did the neurologist find any weakness on exam? If not, then I wouldn’t be worried. The aches and pains and numbness point away from ALS. Make sure the neurologist knows all your concerns including your inability to extend the ring finger. It’s very unlikely you have the start of ALS. Musculoskeletal issues such as tendinitis and overuse are far more likely. But followup after a period of time if the symptoms persist would be indicated. It might also be worth your while to get it checked out by a rheumatologist or an orthopedic hand specialist.