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Neurology  (Expert Forum)
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ALS, MS, or something else?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury

ALS, MS, or something else?

by JanyceK, Jan 13, 2005 12:00AM
In 10/02 woke up in middle of night w/hand cramps&feeling of fullnes in fingers no visible swelling-still some stiffness today when waking but no cramps during sleep.GP pres Vioxx took for 1mo and then switched to celebrex then in 5/04 feet started having foot cramps and I noticed what I call fasciculations. On occasion big toe would move from side to side and 3rd and 4th toes would move up and down.Had a little trouble with words example Clue instead of crew, tickle instead of trickle.Went to neuro 6/04 after exam he could not find anything wrong but said he would do emg just to see if anything showed up as I was concerned about ALS or MS. EMG on left side only was fine also did MRI of brain it was fine.Blood work okay/dx anxiety disorder.presc klonopin which I have yet to try and ambien because I was having trouble on ocas w/sleep.Tryed Ambien on 3ocas dev a rash(doesnt itch) around my ankles where my socks would be,possible reaction to ambien?I walk 3 miles a day and started noticing 5 min after walk I experience what I call popping in backside area it last for 10min and goes away.When laying down w/knees bent on occasion some quivering when I move my legs apart and back together.Some twitches on occasion in outside palm of hand also eyelid,chin that are infrequent.Take 20min hot showers everyday-no effect on any of symptoms.Background:58yrold female w/osteoporosis&scoleosis(double S curve of spine)Had shingles in 11/02 due to stress-rotator cuff tear left shoulder 6/04(2mos of rehab w/full range of motion return)No optic neuritis. Worried about ALS,MS or Parkinson's

by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Jan 16, 2005 12:00AM
Unfortunately, I cannot make a clinical diagnosis over the internet



occasional twitches like you describe are usually benign/normal

the cramps and toe twitching are not specific for any particulat disorder like MS or ALS, so I would not jump to those conclusions so quickly without further evidence or opinion from a neurologist. Parkinsons tends to start with a tremor on one side of the body, or overall problems with slow movement/stiffness.



Your symptoms could even just be muskuloskeletal in origin, time will tell. You should followup periodically with your neurologist.

Good luck

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