Cervical Dystonia - ALS question

[cfdystonia]

I am 37 and have recently been diagnosed with cervical dystonia, a neurological disorder that affects muscles generally in my neck area. This diagnosis came about 2 months ago. I have a follow up with a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders next month. I did have an MRI to rule out other things and it came back good However, I have been increasingly noticing muscle weakness, more in my right side (arms, legs, face). Today, however, I have tightness in my upper arm as if I have been working out. I had a naturopath and chiropractor ask me if I had been tested for ALS. I wanted to see if this at all sounds like it or if there is any relation to dystonia. Any answers would be appreciated.

 

[cfdystonia]

Just reading through and also wanted to mention I have quite a bit of head twitching. I did have some swallowing issues last year for a bit but don't have those at all anymore. I had mentioned all of this to my family doctor but he told me it was stress. It wasn't until I asked for a neurologist appointment I did get a diagnosis of dystonia. The neurologist did spend a lot of time testing my foot reflexes and did it quite a bit, but no mention of ALS ever came up.

 

[bythesea]

I have had Cervical Dystonia for eight years. All the symptons you describe could be dystonia related. Even though CD is called a focal dystonia I have had swallowing and speech difficulties for many years, as well as almost constant pain in my shoulder, facial and other nearby muscles. Many of the symptoms mimic ALS.

After seeing your movement specialist , do so more research. Try the dystonia forum, Dystonia Bulletin Board. Dystonia is hard enough to live with and if you, like I was (am), are bewildered, depressed and frustrated...you have my sympathies.

Don't worry about ALS. Unlike dystonia its march towards fruition is much more dramatic and quickly observable even if the MD's can't put a name on it

Dystonia is a bad puppy but often can be treated with botox shots to denerveate the affected areas for several months at a time.

 

[bythesea]

Don't worry about ALS. If you have been diagnosed woth CD, all your symptons are consistent with dystonia.

I have had it for eight years.

Dystonia is a bad puppy. You are on the road to a long journey but not one that is so dramatically short as ALS portends.