Question 1

is random muscle twitches an early sign of als or is it more focal?

Accepted Answer

Focal is more common: The most common symptom of ALS is asymmetric muscle weakness in the upper extremities, mainly on the thumb and index finger side of the hand. Difficulty swallowing and speaking occur in about 20% of cases. Random muscle twitches in the fingers and eyelids are usually a sign of myokymia, a benign condition. See your primary care for further evaluation. Thanks for trusting Health Tap!

Question 2

twitch down the pinky side of my left hand. happens many times a day. maybe some random muscle twitches in different places but no other symptoms. could this be an early sign if als?

Accepted Answer

: NO, seriously doubt you possess any motor neuron disease, and specifically NOT ALS!  Your left hand could have a focal problem with the ulnar nerve and an EMG study could objectify this.

Question 3

can you tell me the difference between a muscle spasms verses twitching? i have twitching all through body and lip twitching at night. a lot of thigh twitching. im concerned it could be signs of als. are these typical signs of als?

Accepted Answer

ALS: Disease involving motor tracts of lateral columns and anterior horns of spinal cord and cranial motor nerves. Onset of Age is greater than 40 with equal male and female distribution. Although muscle fasciculations can be part of the disease, weakness and atrophy of distal muscles most prominent.

Question 4

what are the first signs of als?

Accepted Answer

Asymmetric weakness: Asymmetric weakness occurs in 80% of cases. It may start in upper or lower extremities or in brain stem. Weakness of the thumb and index finger or weakness of shoulder muscles can occur. Brain stem illness can manifest as difficulty with speech or swallowing. See your physician for an evaluation.

Question 5

when can the early stages of als get you? how do you know if you ever have it?

Accepted Answer

Not to worry: ALS is fortunately quite RARE but gets a lot of attention lately (The Lou Gehrig Story was the first  years ago) 
MS or Multiple Sclerosis is much more common and more benign. Both diseases do strike at young aged people 30-40 year old most common age range. Symptoms are very confusing and so varied that I will not list them
Maybe you and your doctor should discuss WHY you are worried about this??

Question 6

my father had als i have seen neuro but she said she seen no signs as of now can hyperflexxia be a part of als?

Accepted Answer

ALS: ALS commonly presents with progressive muscular weakness and atrophy, along with neurologic signs such as hyperreflexia. However, a neurologist is fully trained to look for this diagnosis.

Question 7

is shaky hands a sign of als?

Accepted Answer

Maybe carpal tunnel: Since ALS can cause rather significant muscle atrophy and weakness, especially in the hands, an instability on holding arms upright might occur, and cause shaking.  However, other causes of tremor might be considered, such as medication rxtns.

Question 8

what to do if i have been twitching ever since my grandfather that has als, is this a sign that i may have it?

Accepted Answer

Probably reactive: Probably nervous reaction to fact that father has severe neurologic disorder. Most cases of ALS are sporadic with out cause. Few about 5% have genetic origins. You should consult neurologist for twitching with good exam to reassure you of etiology of the twitching.

Question 9

what do you suggest if i have been twitching ever since my grandfather that has als, is this a sign that i may have it?

Accepted Answer

Probably reactive: Probably nervous reaction to fact that father has severe neurologic disorder. Most cases of ALS are sporadic with out cause. Few about 5% have genetic origins. You should consult neurologist for twitching with good exam to reassure you of etiology of the twitching.

Question 10

my father, who is 65, is dying of als or: lou gherigs disease. how painful will his death be?  and what are the signs hes getting close to dying?

Accepted Answer

So sorry: ALS is a nasty disease, and many pts have pain, but this can easily be controlled with analgesics, and strong opioids would not be inappropriate.  Most pts die from infection, such as pneumonia, so, a fever and trouble breathing might be a sign of problems.  Usually, toward the end, a hospice is marvelous for palliation, emotional support, and understanding.

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Doctor answers about:

Early warning signs of als

A member asked:

Is random muscle twitches an early sign of als or is it more focal?

A member asked:

Twitch down the pinky side of my left hand. happens many times a day. maybe some random muscle twitches in different places but no other symptoms. could this be an early sign if als?

A member asked:

Can you tell me the difference between a muscle spasms verses twitching? i have twitching all through body and lip twitching at night. a lot of thigh twitching. im concerned it could be signs of als. are these typical signs of als?

A member asked:

What are the first signs of als?

A member asked:

When can the early stages of als get you? how do you know if you ever have it?

A member asked:

My father had als i have seen neuro but she said she seen no signs as of now can hyperflexxia be a part of als?

A member asked:

Is shaky hands a sign of als?

A member asked:

What to do if i have been twitching ever since my grandfather that has als, is this a sign that i may have it?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if i have been twitching ever since my grandfather that has als, is this a sign that i may have it?

A member asked:

My father, who is 65, is dying of als or: lou gherigs disease. how painful will his death be? and what are the signs hes getting close to dying?

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