Status
Not open for further replies.

jbrokeri

New member
Joined
Apr 7, 2016
Messages
2
Reason
Other
Country
US
State
CO
City
Denver
Hi everyone,

I'm writing because I'm scared for my dad (59 y/o) based on some symptoms he's having. We live in a rural area and access to tests/specialists has been really slow. Here's a summary:

1. Began experiencing (according to him) some minor right foot drop in July
2. In February, notices foot drop affects walking and goes to primary care
3. Exam by PCP finds no symptoms other than the foot drop
3. Early March, MRI of back normal (some narrowing of spinal column (?) but not enough to be symptomatic)
4. Early March, bloodwork normal
5. Late March, physical therapy started while waiting for EMG. Physical therapist notes visible difference in muscle tone in the calf and Achilles of the leg with foot drop.
6. EMG was done today. Neuro didn't say anything to him except that his muscles in the right leg are weak, and that the nerve signal is slowing down somewhere around the knee in that muscle that lifts the foot. Also suggested to stop any repetitive motions such as kneeling for prolonged periods or crossing his legs.

As far as my dad is saying and the PCP identified, he doesn't have anything else going on--no other weakness, no pain, no twitches. No other symptoms anyone has noted. No one seems concerned so far but I am scared especially now to hear about the "slowed signal" in that leg. I just...I'm worried and want to be prepared to ask questions and get my dad what he needs as far as next steps.
 
Hi. I understand you are scared. Of course you would be. Clearly there is a problem but there are lots things most of them treatable/ curable. When you know specifics of the emg we can say more but two things strike me- the comment about slow signals seems as if it refers to an abnormality in the nerve conduction test. Problems there indicate an issue other than ALS. The comment about avoiding crossing legs etc also makes me think it is something else. That would be irrelevant to ALS. Perhaps a pinched nerve?
 
Last edited:
Agreed -- what you have heard so far suggests a focal, not systemic problem. Post the EMG rpt when you have it.

Best,
Laurie
 
Hi everyone,

While I don't have the whole report to share, my dad got his EMG results by phone yesterday. The doctor expressed that it was clean other than the slowed down nerve signal just below the knee, suggesting possible peroneal palsy. 3x weekly physical therapy is producing some improvement in his symptoms, and the plan is for that to continue along with the un-learning of the repetitive movements (kneeling and knee crossing) that likely contributed. The neuro says no follow-up with him will be needed.

Thank you so much for your kindness and the service you provide here. My prayers to all you all.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top