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Is Weakness In Right Leg A Symptom Of Sciatica?
Question: Greetings,
I wI was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in my legs several years ago. In addition, I was diagnosed with Benign Fasciculation Syndrome ( BFS). I never really paid attention to the BFS throughout my life thinking that my muscles were always rebuilding after a workout.
Question: Recently my right hamstring became week, slight heaviness walking or going up the stairs; naturally I experienced BFS in the hamstring area in this leg as well. In addition the hamstring area just feels weird, no pain, just tight hamstring. The neurologist mentioned that a recent EMG/NCS had been conducted two months ago that ruled out diseases such as ALS, etc. My reflexes were also checked in both legs and were normal. Would an EMG/NVC test done two months prior be able to rule out ALS? Would the strange feeling and weakness in my right leg be associated with sciatica or just old age?
I wI was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in my legs several years ago. In addition, I was diagnosed with Benign Fasciculation Syndrome ( BFS). I never really paid attention to the BFS throughout my life thinking that my muscles were always rebuilding after a workout.
Question: Recently my right hamstring became week, slight heaviness walking or going up the stairs; naturally I experienced BFS in the hamstring area in this leg as well. In addition the hamstring area just feels weird, no pain, just tight hamstring. The neurologist mentioned that a recent EMG/NCS had been conducted two months ago that ruled out diseases such as ALS, etc. My reflexes were also checked in both legs and were normal. Would an EMG/NVC test done two months prior be able to rule out ALS? Would the strange feeling and weakness in my right leg be associated with sciatica or just old age?
Brief Answer:
Possibility of lumbar radiculopathy to be evaluated
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Benign fasciculation syndrome(BFS) is different from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as BFS is only presence of fasciculation without any weakness of involved limb or wasting and reflex is also normal.
In presence of wasting you should be evaluated for lumbar radiculopathy by MRI of lumbar spine.
Any history of back pain, urinary complains, weakness of other lower limb.
If nerve conduction and emg is normal then possibility of ALS is less .
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist
Possibility of lumbar radiculopathy to be evaluated
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Benign fasciculation syndrome(BFS) is different from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as BFS is only presence of fasciculation without any weakness of involved limb or wasting and reflex is also normal.
In presence of wasting you should be evaluated for lumbar radiculopathy by MRI of lumbar spine.
Any history of back pain, urinary complains, weakness of other lower limb.
If nerve conduction and emg is normal then possibility of ALS is less .
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
I had not noticed any wasting. But in regards to the neurologist mentioning that a recent EMG/NCS had been conducted two months ago that ruled out diseases such as ALS, etc. My reflexes were also checked in both legs and were normal. Would an EMG/NVC test done two months prior be able to rule out ALS? Would the strange feeling and weakness in my right leg be associated with sciatica or just old age?
Brief Answer:
unlikely to be ALS
Detailed Answer:
If no wasting or thinning present in limb and NCV/EMG normal then possibilty of ALS is less likely.
There is no need to repeat the test frequently.
The evaluation regarding this abnormal feeling and weakness may have to be evaluated for sciatica and mri spine may be needed.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist
unlikely to be ALS
Detailed Answer:
If no wasting or thinning present in limb and NCV/EMG normal then possibilty of ALS is less likely.
There is no need to repeat the test frequently.
The evaluation regarding this abnormal feeling and weakness may have to be evaluated for sciatica and mri spine may be needed.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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