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Does Weakness Of The Right Hand Signify Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
Posted on
Sat, 25 Jun 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 25 Jun 2016
Answered on
Mon, 18 Jul 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : Since the beginning of 2016 I have had twitching that started in my chin and migrated to the rest of my body within a months time frame. The twitching has mostly stayed in my legs, but can be felt in various areas. I was concerned, so I did made an appointment with a neurologist here in Northwest Indiana. He did an MRI and scheduled an EMG.
Before the EMG was completed I started to feel a weakening of my right hand. I can't explain it, but it just wasn't the same. Maybe a little less dexterious than my left(non dominant hand). The EMG was completed on my leg only and he said that I had what he considered benign fasciculations. I received the report and its stated that I had the following. 2+ PSW on L.Gastron(MED), 1+ PSW L. Abd Hallucis , 1+ PSW R.Gastron(MED) and 1+ PSW R. Abd Hallucis. No other findings.
During this time I was concerned as my hand started feeling different, so I scheduled another EMG on my arms. This one was completed by a different neurologist as he was able to get me in his office sooner. The EMG for the arms came back clean, no findings. The two EMG's happened in April.
I am still having the twitching and cramps in my legs. My right hand is still the same (not better or worse.) I am concerned with the results of the first EMG as it recorded PSW which I have read is really bad when it comes to ALS symptoms.
I have a follow up appointment with the one neurologist on Wednesday, XXXXXXX 29th. I have been told by both neurologists that I have nothing to worry about, but my head keeps going to ALS.
Before the EMG was completed I started to feel a weakening of my right hand. I can't explain it, but it just wasn't the same. Maybe a little less dexterious than my left(non dominant hand). The EMG was completed on my leg only and he said that I had what he considered benign fasciculations. I received the report and its stated that I had the following. 2+ PSW on L.Gastron(MED), 1+ PSW L. Abd Hallucis , 1+ PSW R.Gastron(MED) and 1+ PSW R. Abd Hallucis. No other findings.
During this time I was concerned as my hand started feeling different, so I scheduled another EMG on my arms. This one was completed by a different neurologist as he was able to get me in his office sooner. The EMG for the arms came back clean, no findings. The two EMG's happened in April.
I am still having the twitching and cramps in my legs. My right hand is still the same (not better or worse.) I am concerned with the results of the first EMG as it recorded PSW which I have read is really bad when it comes to ALS symptoms.
I have a follow up appointment with the one neurologist on Wednesday, XXXXXXX 29th. I have been told by both neurologists that I have nothing to worry about, but my head keeps going to ALS.
Brief Answer:
ALS very unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
ALS is very unlikely to be the condition that is causing your symptoms in your case for two main reasons:
-1-your age ( in people younger than 40 years old ALS is a very rare condition
-2- early symptoms of ALS include difficulty walking and doing everyday activities, weakness of hands, feet, ankles, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, muscles spasms and twitching in arms, shoulders etc. not just muscles twitching.
PSW (positive sharp waves) on EMG indicate that the muscles are lacking innervation, it is true that this may be a finding in ALS, but it is also true that PSW may be seen in other conditions such neuropathies for example.
Keep following with your Neurologist.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
ALS very unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
ALS is very unlikely to be the condition that is causing your symptoms in your case for two main reasons:
-1-your age ( in people younger than 40 years old ALS is a very rare condition
-2- early symptoms of ALS include difficulty walking and doing everyday activities, weakness of hands, feet, ankles, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, muscles spasms and twitching in arms, shoulders etc. not just muscles twitching.
PSW (positive sharp waves) on EMG indicate that the muscles are lacking innervation, it is true that this may be a finding in ALS, but it is also true that PSW may be seen in other conditions such neuropathies for example.
Keep following with your Neurologist.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you for your reply.
I am having twitching in other parts of my body. I have them periodically in my arms, back, shoulders and for a long while my chin. They are not consistent in those areas at this time like they are in my legs. The twtiching in my legs is in my feet calves and sometimes in my thigh above my knee. There have been days when it hasn't twitched as much and then other days it's goes quite a bit.
I just haven't felt good since this started and it just keeps going. When I found out about the PSW in the test and the fact that my symptoms keep going I was extremely concerned about ALS.
I am having twitching in other parts of my body. I have them periodically in my arms, back, shoulders and for a long while my chin. They are not consistent in those areas at this time like they are in my legs. The twtiching in my legs is in my feet calves and sometimes in my thigh above my knee. There have been days when it hasn't twitched as much and then other days it's goes quite a bit.
I just haven't felt good since this started and it just keeps going. When I found out about the PSW in the test and the fact that my symptoms keep going I was extremely concerned about ALS.
Brief Answer:
There are several other conditions related to twitching.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
As I mentioned before, just twitching doesn't mean ALS.
There are other conditions such benign fasciculations syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, side effects of drugs, magnesium, vitamin D deficiency etc. that may cause twitching in different areas of your body.
I think you should get evaluated further about these conditions until the exact cause is found.
Hope I helped you.
Best regards.
There are several other conditions related to twitching.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
As I mentioned before, just twitching doesn't mean ALS.
There are other conditions such benign fasciculations syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, side effects of drugs, magnesium, vitamin D deficiency etc. that may cause twitching in different areas of your body.
I think you should get evaluated further about these conditions until the exact cause is found.
Hope I helped you.
Best regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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