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Hello, I Am A 29 Year Old Female Suffering From

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Posted on Fri, 31 May 2019
Question: Hello, I am a 29 year old female suffering from extreme health anxiety. I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder 10 years ago and work to manage it through exercise and diet, but the past 6 months it has resurfaced as debilitating health anxiety. Over the past 6 months I have experienced anumber of strange symptoms, including neck tension, jaw pain, small bursts of pain around skull, dizziness, nausea, and muscle twitches. I have had a CT scan and MRI of my head, both all clear. But over the last 4 days I have started to develop what feels like strange weakness/uncoordination/clumsiness in my right hand, as well as a sore throat and excess salivation. I'm terrified that these new symptoms are indicative of ALS. Can someone please help me understand this disease and whether I need to be worried or not?
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
This does not seem to be ALS

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for using 'Ask A Doctor' service

I can understand your concern.

First of all, I'd like to inform you that you do not fall in age at which ALS commonly manifests. In most individuals, the disease symptoms appear at or after 45 years. Common symptoms are muscle weakness, atrophy of muscles with time, spasms in muscles. Neurological examination shows abnormalities and MRI too, shows signal alterations.

Your MRI is clear, you don't fall in age criteria and your symptoms are totally different so remain relaxed, this is not ALS. So stop worrying about this. I'd also suggest stopping searching for this illness on the internet because this will only increase your anxiety. Please remain relaxed, you yourself know that you have anxiety and the symptoms you have are due to health anxiety only.

Please try to distract your mind and focus on your daily routine. This is not ALS.

Thanks.

Please let me know if you need more information.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

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Hello, I Am A 29 Year Old Female Suffering From

Brief Answer: This does not seem to be ALS Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for using 'Ask A Doctor' service I can understand your concern. First of all, I'd like to inform you that you do not fall in age at which ALS commonly manifests. In most individuals, the disease symptoms appear at or after 45 years. Common symptoms are muscle weakness, atrophy of muscles with time, spasms in muscles. Neurological examination shows abnormalities and MRI too, shows signal alterations. Your MRI is clear, you don't fall in age criteria and your symptoms are totally different so remain relaxed, this is not ALS. So stop worrying about this. I'd also suggest stopping searching for this illness on the internet because this will only increase your anxiety. Please remain relaxed, you yourself know that you have anxiety and the symptoms you have are due to health anxiety only. Please try to distract your mind and focus on your daily routine. This is not ALS. Thanks. Please let me know if you need more information.