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Suggest Treatment For Muscle Weakness In The Left Arm
Around 2 weeks ago I noticed muscle weakness in my left arm along with severe twitching. I passed all the muscle tests at the Drs. I can still lift my arm in the air etc.. But if I was to hold a dumbbell weight and try and lift up I cannot move it as I don t have the strength. My neck also feels a bit heavy if I lean over. I have constant twitching and now have popping in my ears. I ve had 4 in my family (father, g.father, auntie and cousin) who died of mnd within 9-12wks. Very rapid progression. I am beside myself.... I have 2 young kids and I m struggling to hold it together thinking the worst.... MRI of the brain was clear. There is no visual muscle loss. Is it just early days and will get worse or could it possibly be something else. All other limbs feel strong... Can it start in the bicep and 1 side of neck/shoulders?? Thanks for listening...
Wed, 5 Oct 2016
Hello.
I can understand your concern.
Your symptoms do seem to suggest some kind of neurological disorder mostly either of the peripheral nerves or the motor neurons in the cervical cord.
I can understand that with MND in the family it is the first diagnosis that would come to mind. However, I would still suggest to consider other causes of peripheral neuropathy like hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, vitamin B12 deficiency among others.
In addition to tests for the above, a muscle biopsy might be considered further. I can understand that these are a lot of tests to consider, however many times it happens that the actual diagnosis is quite different from the expected one. So I urge you not to lose hope.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr Geeta
I can understand your concern.
Your symptoms do seem to suggest some kind of neurological disorder mostly either of the peripheral nerves or the motor neurons in the cervical cord.
I can understand that with MND in the family it is the first diagnosis that would come to mind. However, I would still suggest to consider other causes of peripheral neuropathy like hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, vitamin B12 deficiency among others.
In addition to tests for the above, a muscle biopsy might be considered further. I can understand that these are a lot of tests to consider, however many times it happens that the actual diagnosis is quite different from the expected one. So I urge you not to lose hope.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr Geeta
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