Question 1

33 yo f w body wide fasics since october 2022. one bicep slightly smaller w feelings of weak (but no "failure"). clean emg nvs april 2023 in bicep that fasics started in/feels weak. is it possible the test missed als or should i be in clear?

Accepted Answer

: Not clear why you would be concerned about ALS at age 33 unless it runs in your family.  Most likely, if you do not possess hyperthyroidism, your diagnosis would be probably "Benign Fasciculations".   We would be happy here to provide you with a virtual consult if you wish for another opinion  (www.connect@healthtap.com).

Question 2

would it be rare to have als with normal reflexes and normal clinical exam ? doctor said no need for emg as percieved weakness ie tripping at times / hand weakness when lifting things is not clinical and strength test was normal . chances of early al?

Accepted Answer

: Rare rare unless u have family history. Ask for the genetic test if u can handle the results. Discuss with Drs first.

Question 3

scared i have als, emg was done on left upper arm and left elbow area but they didn't test my left hand. emg came clean. but twitching and perceived weakness in left hand. should i worry?

Accepted Answer

: No rationale to consider ALS as the cause of your expressed symptoms.   If you have problems in the left hand exclusively and it was not tested, then, the EMG needs to be completed and examine the area of issue.  Get counseling to handle your worries.

Question 4

if als was supposedly active in my left hand, would it show up on an emg that was done in muscles in my upper left arm? they didn't test my left hand but my left bicep/shoulder muscles came out clear.
i'm extremely stressed out on the verge of tears?

Accepted Answer

: One might see signs of ALS on EMG, however EMG of a single limb can not in and of itself make that diagnosis. For that, we would need a detailed history and careful  neurologic exam supplemented by testing (eg blood work/MRI) to exclude other things. I consider EMG necessary to confirm an ALS diagnosis, but multiple limbs as well as face and neck/back would need to be tested.

Question 5

arm sore with occasional muscle twitches.worried als, doc did strength test and said "ur perfect just anxiety" but didnt do emg or mri. stop worrying?

Accepted Answer

: If you are not confident in your Doctor please see another to get the tests you need and a second opinion.

Question 6

emg done on left bicep, shoulder and forearm/elbow area came clean but they didn't test my left hand. my left hand is now twitching and feels weak.
he didn't mention als. if my left arm was clean of als, is my left hand clean as well?

Accepted Answer

: This was already answered.  And there is no indication of ALS, especially at your age.

Question 7

i had emg  because of muscle twitching  and strange swallowing issues - including food going up the nose and trouble initiating swallow. the emg only test three muscles (my thenar, my quad and my upper trapezius) all were normal. worried about als?

Accepted Answer

Speech pathologist: You should see a speech pathologist, despite the name, these professionals can assess swallowing disorders. 
Wish you good health!

Question 8

how can i control muscle spasms numbness on one side hugging sensation on one side dancing movements change in walk. all tests come up neg. blood mris emg ct heart test no heart attach or stroke not ms als mg what could be causing this ?

Accepted Answer

Myoclonic seizures?: You may be experiencing a form of limited or localized seizure disorder known as "myoclonus" (muscle-centered), which is a form of epilepsy (sudden increase in  electric activity in some areas of the brain). If this is the case with you, it can be treated with anticonvulsants. Consult a neurologist.

Question 9

does a clean emg mean no als?

Accepted Answer

Criteria for ALS: An entirely normal EMG is a strong vote against the diagnosis of ALS.  Although an EMG does not diagnose ALS, it would be abnormal if ALS was present.

Question 10

had an emg on one side.is that enough to know i don't have als?

Accepted Answer

Why the EMG/NCS?: It&#x27;s vital to understand that when doctors order or do tests, they begin with the end in mind: They map out the possible results &amp; their implications mentally before the test is ever done. So: It is remotely possible, though not likely, that an EMG/NCS done on one side could miss VERY early ALS on the other side. Is that what they were looking to rule out?

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Doctor answers about:

Emg test for als

A member asked:

33 yo f w body wide fasics since october 2022. one bicep slightly smaller w feelings of weak (but no "failure"). clean emg nvs april 2023 in bicep that fasics started in/feels weak. is it possible the test missed als or should i be in clear?

A member asked:

Would it be rare to have als with normal reflexes and normal clinical exam ? doctor said no need for emg as percieved weakness ie tripping at times / hand weakness when lifting things is not clinical and strength test was normal . chances of early al?

A member asked:

Scared i have als, emg was done on left upper arm and left elbow area but they didn't test my left hand. emg came clean. but twitching and perceived weakness in left hand. should i worry?

A member asked:

If als was supposedly active in my left hand, would it show up on an emg that was done in muscles in my upper left arm? they didn't test my left hand but my left bicep/shoulder muscles came out clear. i'm extremely stressed out on the verge of tears?

A member asked:

Arm sore with occasional muscle twitches.worried als, doc did strength test and said "ur perfect just anxiety" but didnt do emg or mri. stop worrying?

A member asked:

Emg done on left bicep, shoulder and forearm/elbow area came clean but they didn't test my left hand. my left hand is now twitching and feels weak. he didn't mention als. if my left arm was clean of als, is my left hand clean as well?

A member asked:

I had emg because of muscle twitching and strange swallowing issues - including food going up the nose and trouble initiating swallow. the emg only test three muscles (my thenar, my quad and my upper trapezius) all were normal. worried about als?

A member asked:

How can i control muscle spasms numbness on one side hugging sensation on one side dancing movements change in walk. all tests come up neg. blood mris emg ct heart test no heart attach or stroke not ms als mg what could be causing this ?

A member asked:

Does a clean emg mean no als?

A member asked:

Had an emg on one side.is that enough to know i don't have als?

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