carolina
New member
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2012
- Messages
- 1
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Country
- US
- State
- SC
- City
- Easley
I began having muscle weakness in the spring including several falls, difficulty particularly with my left leg, swallowing problems, and slurred speech. After a scary fall, I was referred to a neurologist. Since my first appointment in July, I have had brain, lumbar, and c-spine MRIs, all normal bloodwork, and normal nerve conduction studies. At my last appointment, my doctor did a one-minute emg on my upper and lower spine and declined to test my limbs. He did schedule a lumbar puncture for next month, and I have an upper endoscopy Monday due to cricopharyngeal dyskinesia identified on a modified barium swallow. My tongue is no longer midline and appears ridged on the right with a repeated area of flickering. My palate has fallen, and my uvula veers to one side. My reflexes are extremely hyperactive including a jaw jerk. Does a normal spinal emg suffice at this point? I had waited six weeks for the emg, and my doctor was not forthcoming about what he is thinking despite several questions from me. I read that spinal emgs are "a neurologists old wives tale" in terms of ruling out ALS. I would greatly appreciate any information or advice you may have.