ALS Archive Questions

Below are Kathleen Costello’s answers to ALS questions
received through the Ask the Expert feature.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended
to be a substitute for individual medical advice in diagnosing or treating a
health problem. Please consult with your physician about your specific health
care concerns.



Now displaying records 1 to 5 of 5.

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Q : 1 09/07/2009	My mother was diagnosed with ALS in April. She was complaining of a dragging foot, and now, four months later, she can't move either leg, her back won't hold her up when she sits, and she's complaining of a strange sensation on one arm. Is it normal for ALS to progress this rapidly? The course of ALS is variable and the timing is not possible to accurately predict; however, the statistics tell us that the average life expectancy from the onset of symtpoms is 3-5 years.
Q : 2 07/16/2009	My mom (47) was just diagnosed with ALS based on an EMG exam. Last fall, she had a MRI, but the results didn't show any problems. The only symptom she is showing is pain in her arms when raising them or carrying something heavy. Additionally, she hasn't lost any weight and has actually gained some in the past few months. Is it at all possible that this diagnosis is incorrect? Pain is not a common presentation for ALS and you are correct that patients with ALS invariably lose weight as the disease progresses. Also, patients with this disease usually become weaker or develop swallowing or breathing problems. If your mother is concerned about the diagnosis she should ask for a second opinion. While the EMG is very helpful, ALS is a clinical diagnosis.
Q : 3 06/29/2009	I'm a 36 year old female, 5'6" and previously weighed a healthy 138 lbs. In the last 6 weeks, I have developed strong fasciculations and lost 10 lbs. My hand is noticeably atrophied, as is my foot (both on right side). I have had no cramping. I have what I believe is overall muscle mass loss, and my strength is diminished. I saw a neurologist 2 weeks ago, who forwarded me to an EMG. The preliminary results indicated that there were no signs of ALS. How can I have favorable EMG results when in fact I can see and feel the atrophy? Can an EMG miss early ALS, or does the fact that I've got fasciculations /atrophy mean something should have shown up? I was tested in both legs, weaker arm, back, and neck areas. Yes, an EMG can miss early ALS and often has to be repeated after a certain interval of time, like 6 months. If you have atrophy of your right hand and foot then there may be other neurological or neuromuscular conditions that may account for this and you will need close follow up with your neurologist.
Q : 4 05/07/2009	What degree of disability is involved in extreme cases of ALS? ALS is a progressive neurological disease that affects the motor nerve cells in the central nervous system. It is as of yet incurable and continues to be a fatal disease. Individuals will likely experience progressive weakness in their limbs and progressive weakness in the muscles necessary for breathing and swallowing.
Q : 5 04/06/2009	I have had a sporadic twiching in my left thigh for several weeks now in the same spot. It comes and goes and when it is twitching it is very visible. When I searched on muscle twitching, I saw references to ALS which is concerning. Can off and on twitches last for several weeks? Isolated twitching without any other symptoms or signs is usually benign. Your medical doctor or practitioner can examine you and determine if you have any weakness etc. that might lead to a concern about ALS

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