I have twitching in my forearm. Could it be ALS?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concerns. Let me tell you that, it is possible to confirm the diagnosis of ALS(amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), only after physically examining the patient. About your concerns, I would like to inform you that an isolated twitching of any muscle is normal at this age. The other common cause of muscle twitching is anxiety and exertion. In my practice, I have seen at least 20 patients who had symptoms similar to yours and, reported no weakness or atrophy despite the passage of five years or more. I mean to say that, if there is no weakness and progression, with the background information of anxiety, I feel it should be considered normal. The chances of it being a chronic disease are very thin if any. I hope this answers you. Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions. Thanks and regards.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. From the posed questions, it seems to me, that you want the answers to be very specific. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it has been observed that often the individual presents with weakness, rather than twitching. Twitching or fasciculations may or may not be present, but weakness and atrophy are always present. They can come together, but twitching is generally later than weakness and atrophy. I must acknowledge here, that there is universal law in this regard. You mentioned that there is twitching when you stop the movements. It is not what happens in ALS. They are spontaneous and not in the control of the individual. To be precise they are random. No typical pattern is known in ALS. I hope this answers you further. Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions. Thanks and regards.