ALS

[coachman313]

I'm 39 and have had excellent health. 1 yr ago got a slight twitch in right upper arm. Today it has progressed to mutiple twitches all over my body. Arms, legs, chest, back. hands. My index finger moves with force sideways. Yesterday I got a ciropractic scan and the EMG shows serious muscle tone deficiency. I have no health benefits no ins. Should I give the ciropractic a try for a while or begin testing and wat do I start with? My head is telling me the worst but I know it could be something treatable. When I lay down to sleep I can feel all kind s of crazy sensations. Need some expert advice.

[curt]

I would start with your family doctor or a neurologist, good luck.

[pinuccio]

If I were you I would have a complete neurological evaluation. I doubt that a Chiropracter can accomplish this. Good Luck.

[Sping]

My husband was diagnosed with ALS 5 years ago. He just had his 59th birthday.
We visited with 3 different neurologists in Montana and finally found the MDA/ALS clinic in
Billings, MT. They helped so much and they really do care. Please find the MDA nearest you. They will provide a neurologist and they will also help you with equipment, etc. later on in the disease - if that is indeed what you have.

Stay in touch - being my husband's caretaker I like to think that I can help others - even if it's only to advise you where to go or who to see.

Best Wishes,
Sue

[paykac]

You said you found an MDA/ALS clinic? How did you wind up there? I've had the latest symptoms of symmetric neuropathy, weakness and spasticity for about 1 1/2 years now and still no diagnosis. I'm wondering how poeple go about getting a diagnosis? And how do you know when to look for another doctor?

[Sping]

If I were you I would see a neurologist.
Don't waste time or money on other doctors.
If you live in a large city, there s/b an MDA clinic available. My husband saw a tv add on Lou Gherigs disease (ALS) offering an 800 #. He called the number and ended up talking to someone in Washington DC who told him the nearest MDA/ALS clinic nearest to us was in Billings. They did EMG's and MRI's on him. Basically with ALS it's a waiting game to be fully diagnosed.
The telephone number for the MDA clinic in Billings is [moderator note: phone number has been removed]. Perhaps they can advise you of the nearest one to you.