A member asked:

I can see and feel my muscles flickering/shaking when in flexed position. quads and biceps, along with twitching sometime, is this als?

6 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Dr. Leila Hashemi answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Fasciculation: The muscle Fasciculation has too many reasons, first is muscle fatigue, Electrolyte abnormalities like low or high Calcium, low magnesium, Caffeine overuse, stress and breathing fast, some Neurological disorders. You definitely don't have ALS, ALS starts with muscle weakness and Atrophy. Try to relax, decrease Alcohol and Caffeinated drinks, stay hydrated .

Answered 8/1/2014

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Not likely: It is common for people to experience muscle twitching phenomena. Be healthy, eat right, exercise, and do not worry. In the early stages amyotrophic lateral sclerosis presents with increasing weakness in one limb, usually a hand. Fasciculations (twitching muscle fibers) are usually subtle. Then speech and swallowing difficulties are seen, as is difficulty walking. Later, ALS can affect breathing.

Answered 8/1/2014

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Dr. Saptarshi Bandyopadhyay answered

Specializes in Hospital-based practice

Unlikely: ALS (one of the Motor Neuron Diseases, or MND) is rare (but devastating) - and so while it is good to be concerned, I think your symptoms are probably better explained by other conditions. Have you been exercising (weight lifting, interval training, etc.)? Have you been taking Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or some other new drug? Electrolyte imbalances and medication side effects are common, and hence more likely. GL!

Answered 8/1/2014

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No: You do not describe ALS, and typically, the onset occurs from age 55 to 60 yrs of age.

Answered 1/19/2015

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