Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Neurology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am worried about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). I have had a twitch in my left hypothenar muscle intermittently for three weeks or so. Perhaps a few twitches per hour followed by hours of no twitching. I also have twitches in other parts of my body quite regularly though this one is focal and the others are diffuse. I have not dropped anything. Doing self-tests, my left pinky seems a bit weaker. Though I think I have atrophy in the hypothenar, I have had three general practice doctors tell me it is just asymmetrical with my dominant right hand. The doctors have also performed basic finger strength tests (spread fingers and resist) and they say they are normal. Reflexes are normal. No tripping, dropping, slurring, etc. Should I be worried about this given the above scenario and that doctors have told me no atrophy and no weakness?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com. I read carefully your question and would explain that your symptoms are not typical of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Benign fasciculation syndrome, an electrolyte imbalance or thyroid gland dysfunction could mimic this clinical situation. Coming to this point, I would recommend performing some tests to investigate possible causes: 1. An electromyography (EMG) to exclude ALS. 2. Vitamin D levels for a possible deficiency. 3. Blood electrolytes for possible imbalances. 4. Thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction. Consulting with a neurologist may be needed in case of abnormal EMG.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
What are your thoughts on the perceived weakness and atrophy? As mentioned, they looked closely at my hands and performed strength tests. Do you think that my next step is to have an electromyography (EMG) for the twitching, but that the weakness and atrophy have been adequately assessed by three doctors? Thank you for your care.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com. Atrophy and asymmetry may be a part of a normal individual. It can be assessed by a general physician. But you should know that it is necessary to perform a careful neurological exam for other neurological signs (like pathological reflexes, or low reflexes) which are indicative of certain neurological disorders like peripheral neuropathy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), etc. The electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are the main tests to objectively evaluate the nerves and muscles.
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Neurology
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