ALS/ MND?

[serenity84]

5 days ago, I start experiencing twitching in my left eye brow region. It comes and go. Then next day, i noted that my right thumb shows tremors, sometimes resting, sometimes when i’m pressing on my phone (such as deleting a longer message). These comes. Subsequently, my left arm feels achy and tremors noted in my finger in some positions. These come and go as well. Finally i noted tremors when in my mouth and neck when i drink drinks from a can. I’m 41 this yr.

My hands can sometimes feels abit clumsy to use. But i’m not sure if it’s partially due to anxiety. But other times, i use them perfectly well.

I’m waiting for a neurologist appointment but these sudden symptoms scared the shit out if me.

Question:
1) Does this progression even sound remotely like ALS or MND?

2) Any possibility that ALS or MND can progress so fast?

3) Any possibility for Symptoms to come and go in early ALS or MND?

4) I know EMG will show some changes if it’s ALS. Is there such thing as too early to show?

Thank you for your precious time.

 

[lgelb]

No x 4 in your case. I expect your appointment to be reassuring. Meanwhile, I'd focus on sleep, stress, and exercise.

Canned drinks are generally not the most nutritious, and often contain added sugar, herbs, and/or caffeine that can lead to twitching/tremors, so that's something to consider as well.

 

[serenity84]

Thank you for your time. Yes. I’m cuttin gout my caffaine to see if it helps. So far doesn’t seem to help much with my symptoms. I’m no longer sure if some of my symptoms are anxiety induced. I’m hoping that a neuro assessment will put my mind to ease or give me some explaination when i’m experiencing the symptoms.

 

[serenity84]

I’ve visited my neurologist. Did strength test, reflex test, MRI of brain and spine all came back normal. Did some blood test and they are clear. He did not want to pursue a EMG as he feels it might be too early.

I am not trying to challenge if I have ALS here. Although i must admit my anxiety is till there since i have not done an emg. I noticed some of my symptoms like perceived achiness might be psychological as it goes away when i don’t pay so much attention to it.

However today i noted that when i pout, one part on the right side of my face is significantly sunken than the other. Is this a sign of atrophy or just possibly a facial differences?

 

[lgelb]

If there were significant facial atrophy due to loss of motor neurons (from any cause), your ability to pout on that side would be impaired.

As you say, anxiety magnifies everything so that could be something to work on in its own right, along with pursuing activities that help you take your mind off your symptoms, and see how far that takes you physically.

 

[serenity84]

I’m able to pout. However, i do have tremors when i pout. Also tremors when i blow air out. Any insights if this might be due to weakness? Or just another tremor symptoms above all my other tremor symptoms.

 

[lgelb]

Typically, facial tremors relate to dehydration, stress, electrolyte imbalances, fatigue, lack of sleep. So all are worth considering and trying some new approaches.

It is hard to call them weakness if your pout is still a pout, if that made sense.

 

[serenity84]

I’m back, trying not to be a nuisance for my anxiety. My symptoms seem to have developed despite me cutting caffaine, taking supplements. My eye twitch has become more intense. On some days it really twitches non stop. Other body parts also is twitching /fasciculating. But less often.

What concerns me is that my left arm feels jelly on occassions and it has spread to my left leg. I’m still able to walk and do things. However i do notice more tremors or difficulty using the limb when such feeling comes in. All these within a short span of less than 2 weeks. Is it possible for deterioration to be happening within such a short time span?

I’m hoping that my neurologist can do an EMG. But 2 weeks from onset of symptoms, is it going to be able to tell if something is not right?

 

[ShiftKicker]

Yes. But your neurologist may not see a call for an EMG, as twitching absent clinical weakness or other signs of concern points to something other than what you fear. Please understand that this forum can only provide basic information and your neurologist is the person to guide next steps.

Please also make sure to read the Read Before Posting for further information. If you are struggling with overwhelming anxiety about your health, it might also be time to address that with someone who can provide some stress reducing tools while you work with your doctors to find cause for your symptoms.