I Have Severe Muscle Shrinkage In Arms And Upper Body..severe

Posted on Sun, 7 Apr 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 7 Apr 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have severe muscle shrinkage in arms and upper body..severe and constant pain mainly in upper body...affects speak and swallowing..severe weight lost of about 90lbs..no appetite.. Reflex deteriorated...... What do you think it is

Answered by Dr. Dr. (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It may be amyotropic lateral sclerosis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have gone through your query, and here is my advice.

As per your history it may be Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. As it is neuro degenerative disease which affects nerve cells in brain and spinal cord.

Please let me know do you have weakness in lower limbs , breathing difficulty?

To confirm diagnosis I would suggest you to do electromyography, nerve conduction velocity, MRI Brain with spine, TSH after detailed medical examination and Neuro physician's opinion.

Along with that continue physical and speech therapy . You can take liquid diet. You may require oxygen support in case of breathing difficulty.

Let me know i can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr Shyam Kale.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. (3 hours later)

He does not have any problems or weakness in lower body and has no breathing problems...just severe muscle weakness in arms and hands..when I say speech problems it is just his voice loses volume...but not often... I do believe it is some kind of sclerosis or dystrophy but not Al's already had test and ruled that out..also he is very tired all the time and has mood changes and very depressed.. He is a workaholic and works everyday but is not able to pick up even a light weight cake pan..he use to be a big man...not fat..but is is wasting away..he has never what you say never been sick and not a complainer...and the medication he is on now is the first he has ever taken...he will Yardley even take an aspirin...he is worried and scared and so am I...please help us...thank you

Follow up: Dr. Dr. (4 hours later)

Please above quesrion

Follow up: Dr. Dr. (1 hour later)

Why are you not answering me...it has been an hour...are you afraid to confront me..read the above questions and please answer me...if you don't know...say so but just don't answer..come on l am tired of waiting

Follow up: Dr. Dr. (12 minutes later)

You asked me in the only response I have gotten from you to let you know if he had trouble breathing and lower muscle weakness and I answered you but for some reason you won't answer me...

Answered by Dr. Dr. (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
kindly attach reports.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for your reply and sorry for your long wait.

As per history, symptoms looks like motor neuron disease. ALS is also a type of motor neuron disease.

Kindly attach MRI brain and other reports. So I will get better idea.

Let me know I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Shyam Kale

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj