Is the muscle twitching, muscle fibrillation and cervical radiculopathy be due to ALS?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had muscle twitching since last year, and I am worried about ALS. So I consulted a neurologist, who said I have fibrillation in three muscles in the EMG and cervical radiculopathy at C6-C7. Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your symptoms seem to be related to a pinched nerve. Based on this EMG (electromyography) report (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), the muscles with spontaneous activity are in the territory of the pinched right median nerve. So, I do not think that this is ALS. I think this is just a bulging disc in the cervical spine, causing radicular pain and fasciculations in these muscles. The fasciculations are quite common in damaged nerves. I would suggest checking vitamin D and B12 plasma levels, thyroid hormone levels, and blood electrolytes. A cervical spine MRI is also necessary.

Kindly revert for more queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I am glad your MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) spine is normal. I think that your symptoms could be related to a pinched nerve. I would suggest Carnitine and magnesium supplements to help improve your muscle function. Also, low-dose Clonazepam can help reduce fasciculations. I think that this is just benign fasciculation syndrome and nothing serious.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.