ALS

[Guest]

I need some help regarding fasiculations. First of all, what do they look like?? What I am experiencing is a twitch that comes and goes, sometimes the same muscle fiber, sometimes not. These twitches affect both calves (6 months) and now my quadriceps and upper thigh (2 weeks). I have also had them in the feet, bicep and shoulder. I have been told by a neuro that an als fasic would look like a "wave" under the skin, but have also read that they look like "twinkling lights". So, do they come and go, or do they start and not stop. (twitch vs. twitching?) Mine twitch once, then go away for awhile, then may twitch again shortly after. Sometimes I get multiple twitcheS of the same fiber. Sometimes my calves twitch like crazy after walking, or twitch while sitting while driving. They are completely spontaneous and sporadic, with no cramping or objective loss of strength. Thank you.

[Guest]

The way taht a fasciculation appears can vary. It may appear as a ripple under the skin, but may also look like a quicker movement in muscles of different size and shape. A trained neurologist is usually the best person to make this diagnosis, and performing the detailed neurological exam would be necessary to determine what kind of phenomena you are observing. Twitching is common, and in most cases does not mean that the individual has ALS. A careful exam, looking for atrophy, changes in motor tone, testing the reflexes etc is important, and must be done by a neurologist. EMG testing is also very helpful in the evaluation.
[quote] I need some help regarding fasiculations. First of all, what do they look like... [/quote]