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Pack456

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Learn about ALS
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Wisconsin
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Milwaukee
Hello,

I am a 26 year old male. For the past 4 or 5 months I have noticed my right quad/thigh area significantly smaller than my left (possible atrophy) My right thigh and quad have become increasingly stiff (especially in the morning) making it more difficult than usual to walk/run. I am still able to go on walks/runs but it's more difficult than it used to be, with muscle stiffening. I also feel quite weak after working out. My left side feels completely fine. I have involuntary body movements at random times during the day/at work. My right knee reflex is quite brisk, with my left knee reflex is normal. My right foot plantar reflex is rather dull. I continue to hope this all gets better, but it has not. I see my general practitioner tomorrow. Do any of these symptoms sound like ALS? Thank you for your replies- I do not mean to waste anyone's time. God Bless.
 
No, doesn't sound even a tiny bit like ALS.

Work with your doctor and keep your mind open for the myriad of common things this is likely to turn out to be. All the best.
 
Update. I went to my GP who said my strength was fine but wants to schedule me for an EMG if blood tests come back negative. As I sit here now the atrophy in my right quad is quite apparent when compared to my left quad and it's harder to walk. She said nothing of brisk knee reflex in my right knee which is also quite apparent. I am only 26 which makes me wonder if she even thought to consider these things. Still waiting to hear from doctor.
 
Don't jump ahead. ALS is rare. The symptoms you describe don't make me leap to ALS.

EMGs are used for other things besides ALS.

Stay in touch.
 
Great you saw a doctor.

Firstly - no weakness is great, this is the hallmark. You may find it harder to walk, but that is not necessarily clinical weakness, and in your case it obviously is not.

A brisk knee reflex should not send anyone into a concern they have a rare terminal illness.

ALS starting in a quad muscle would be really rare, normally leg onset starts distally, so don't try to be the most rare of the rare.

I'm not sure what you think she isn't considering - doctors are really smart and they can tell an awful lot by the time you have said hello and walked to a chair and sat down.

Go start doing normal 26 year old stuff in the meantime, you only have the now to live in no matter what happens. As Mike says, the EMG is a tool, it is used to assist diagnose a huge range of things. ALS is the least likely result for you.
 
Thank you so much for your replies. You're right I need to live in the now and stop worrying - it will help nothing. I'll keep you update. God Bless.
 
I just wanted to send an update. Today was my emg. The neurologist performing the emg said everything was clean and looked good. I asked him about muscle shrinkage and he told me it was probably just from one let being dominant over the years in athletics, etc. While I am still extremely worried about symptoms- I am going to relax for awhile as the anxiety has been overbearing. Thanks for listening and responding. You have been wonderful. God Bless.
 
Unfortunately I am back. Although my leg emg was normal, I can't help but notice how much smaller my right thigh/quad is compared to my left. I am still having stiffness but no pain anywhere. It continues to give me great anxiety as atrophy is not normal. I am guessing I should go back to my general doctor for a full neurologist referral.
 
Storms make trees take deeper roots
 
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It can be a vicious cycle where you feel stiff, don't exercise, muscles lose definition/mass.

You might try PT. They will bring you along gradually to the best of your abilities, and then you can see where you stand. Your internist can write for that.

Best,
Laurie
 
Unfortunately I am back. Although my leg emg was normal, I can't help but notice how much smaller my right thigh/quad is compared to my left. I am still having stiffness but no pain anywhere. It continues to give me great anxiety as atrophy is not normal. I am guessing I should go back to my general doctor for a full neurologist referral.

A neurologist focuses only a single body system. Your PCP should be your next step. GO medical doctors are trained and experienced in leading a healthcare investigation that may involve several specialties.
 
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Hello all. I was wondering if atrophy/muscle wasting would show up on an emg even if that exact muscle wasn't tested during the Emg, just muscles around it.
 
There is a post at the top of this forum section titled READ BEFORE POSTING. Would you mind giving it a good read?

Answer to your question - YES
 
Thank you for the response Tillie. I am so appreciative beyond words. I am just having a hard time figuring out what else could be causing my atrophy with no pain, numbness, or tingling. I am going to schedule another appointment with a specialist soon. Thanks for all of your help everyone.
 
What did your doctor say about atrophy? If he didn't notice atrophy then, again, you are getting ahead of yourself. Doctors are really smart and will pick up on atrophy. Different sizes in limbs do NOT necessarily mean atrophy. Work with your doc and stop trying to use Doctor Google. He is notoriously unreliable.
All the best,
Tracy
 
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