Question 1

what are fasciculations in als like? can they stop for several weeks?

Accepted Answer

No: Fasciculations are not an early indicator of ALS. They are more likely a symptom of excess caffeine, lack of sleep, anxiety, stress, etc. Diagnosis for ALS does include fasciculations in the criteria, but only one part of it, and must be accompanied by weakness in the same limb. Twitching as related to ALS indicates dying muscle and therefore weakness which does not come and go.

Question 2

are fasciculations in als constant or do they come and go?

Accepted Answer

Common symptom: Fasciculations are a common symptom of ALS that are usually persistent. Fasciculation potentials can also occur in healthy individuals (e.g. benign fasciculation syndrome). A neurologist can help to determine whether you have fasciculations and if so, whether they are benign or malignant.  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/amyotrophiclateralsclerosis.html

Question 3

could fasciculations in als be sporadic at start and later become persistent? or are they persistent once they start?

Accepted Answer

ALS fasciculations: The firing rate for fasciculations in ALS is greater than that of benign fasciculations. When severe weakness and marked chronic neurogenic change is present on electromyography, the firing rate of fasciculations in ALS increases. The fasciculations of ALS are usually persistent. See a neurologist for more information. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003296.htm

Question 4

what else besides als and fasciculations can cause my tongue to feel twitchy?

Accepted Answer

Tongue: great question. Stress, dryness, acid reflux or some of the other causes. I would check it out with an ENT

Question 5

still have tongue fasciculations. now everyday. can it be something else besides als?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You may have what is called Benign Fasciculation Syndrome. The cause is as yet unknown. Patients have fasciculation or twitching in various voluntary muscles along with other signs and symptoms. The prognosis is good to excellent. Does not lead to any physical impairment of the body. SEE: http://bit.ly/1pueq5y

Question 6

is there a difference between benign tongue fasciculations and the ones seen in als? i've read beign fasciculations in the tongue doesn't exist, true?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely ALS: At your age, very rare to develop a sporadic motor neuron disorder and even rarer would be a hereditary condition starting at this point.  Question could involve whether you have true fasciculations or alternative tongue issue. Your neurologist could explore this further.

Question 7

i have occasional fasciculation on same small area of my tongue.i can feel it and see it. it lasts maybe 10-20 minutes or hour then stops. appears again weeks, months later or few days in a row. of course, i am scared of als. are there benign causes?

Accepted Answer

: The benign causes are electrolyte disorder, stress, fatigue and tongue fasciculation can be an early sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. Yes, tongue fasciculation is an early sign of ALS but sooner or later muscle weakness and atrophy will develop. Have a simple blood test done for electrolytes and vitamin B12 for ruling out these possibilities.

Question 8

is it true fasciculations in the tongue usually means als? can you have myokymia in the tongue?

Accepted Answer

ALS: Fasiculations in the tongue is a sign for ALS. This is because ALS is a combination of central and peripheral nerve disease. Myokymia is a muscle based definition, and can sometims be normal and as such usually does not effect the tongue, which is controlled by a cranial nerve. Tongue fascinations alone do not mean ALS, and further testing is necessary.

Question 9

i've been getting tongue fasciculations for about six months now. my tongue emg was clean. can it still be als?

Accepted Answer

Could be: ALS has no test. It's a combination of upper and lower motor neuron signs. all you can do it wait and keep following up with your PCP. Life is short. Enjoy every day like it is your last.

Question 10

tongue fasciculations for one year. teo clean emg's. what are the odds of it being bulbar als? no other symptoms.

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: ALS, almost never has changes in the motor unit in the initial stage and along the natural course of disease. See a neurologist for consultation and assessment.

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Doctor answers about:

Do als fasciculations are like

A member asked:

What are fasciculations in als like? can they stop for several weeks?

A member asked:

Are fasciculations in als constant or do they come and go?

A member asked:

Could fasciculations in als be sporadic at start and later become persistent? or are they persistent once they start?

A member asked:

What else besides als and fasciculations can cause my tongue to feel twitchy?

A member asked:

Still have tongue fasciculations. now everyday. can it be something else besides als?

A member asked:

Is there a difference between benign tongue fasciculations and the ones seen in als? i've read beign fasciculations in the tongue doesn't exist, true?

A member asked:

I have occasional fasciculation on same small area of my tongue.i can feel it and see it. it lasts maybe 10-20 minutes or hour then stops. appears again weeks, months later or few days in a row. of course, i am scared of als. are there benign causes?

A member asked:

Is it true fasciculations in the tongue usually means als? can you have myokymia in the tongue?

A member asked:

I've been getting tongue fasciculations for about six months now. my tongue emg was clean. can it still be als?

A member asked:

Tongue fasciculations for one year. teo clean emg's. what are the odds of it being bulbar als? no other symptoms.

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