What Are Symptoms Of ALS?
Now I have noticed that I cannot fully flex my left calf to the extent that I can my right. The calf is not weak when I go for jogs, etc. but the muscle doesn't feel like it gets as hard when I flex it. I tried to measure the calves and they appear to be about the same size. The one that I can't fully flex may be a quarter inch smaller. My questions is- does this sound like the beginning of atrophy? Again, the muscle is not weak, but I am concerned the muscle is beginning to atrophy. Does weakness come before or after atrophy? I should add that when I stand I can lean forward and the left calf seems to fully flex; however it still does not feel totally as big as the right one. I know the the body is not perfectly symmetrical, but my arms are the opposite. My left arm is actually quite a bit bigger than my right and always has been. Please let me know if given that full strength is there this seems more like my normal physiology, or possible atrophy? Please also advise on your thoughts as to how likely ALS is in me based off of the info provided?
Unlikely to be ALS.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXXXXX
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your detailed symptoms and can understand your anxiety regarding ALS.
However, I would like to reassure you that these symptoms do not suggest a diagnosis of ALS.
The most prominent symptoms of ALS are muscle wasting (which would be obvious at once, without measurement) and muscle twitchings (fasciculations). Whenever there is wasting, there would also be weakness.
So, in your case, I do not think it is ALS. However, for excluding it 100% and for reducing your anxiety, an EMG may be done.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Anxiety aside, how likely is ALS in me Doctor? Is it almost 100% that I do not have this disease? I was very comfortable with moving on before I made the mistake of trying to find wasting on my body. The neurologist I went to just seemed very sure I was fine. I appreciate your insight very much and will rate nicely.
ALS is very unlikely
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.
Yes, I agree that wasting is profound in ALS, and would be obvious without any measurements, even at the onset.
Also, weakness would always accompany wasting.
In your case, I am sure that you do not have ALS.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Yes, I am 99.9% sure.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.
I appreciate that you understand I can not be 100% sure without actually examining you. However, based on the description (which was pretty good), I am 99.9% sure you do not have ALS.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
EMG is not needed.
Detailed Answer:
Yes, I agree with you that you do not need EMG now and this is in line with your neurologists' opinion too.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)