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BFS or ALS?
Hi. I saw a similar question from a couple weeks ago but didn’t want to ask a question in their thread. I am a 53 year old otherwise healthy male and two weeks ago I started getting twitching in both quads and hip flexors. A few days later I experienced them also in my shoulders and arms along with my legs. I don’t have any apparent muscle weakness although my hamstrings have a sensation of being weak some of the time.
I’m really nervous this is ALS even though it might not fit the more usual presentation of muscle weakness first. The twitching keeps me up at night but sometimes after I’ve gotten a little rest the twitching subsides or is cut down significantly. I also get what I think are myoclonic jerks as I’m falling asleep. Sometimes three or four of them. At times when I’m distracted or exercising most or all of the twitching seems to go away but then later it comes back with a vengence. In addition I do have what seems like nerve hypersensitivity where my muscles fire faster than normal at times.
I do have anxiety although I’ve never formally been diagnosed and I definitely have health anxiety. I have an appt with my GP this week but I just wanted to ask if anyone has had a similar presentation of symptoms that turned out to be BFS and not ALS. I’m pretty scared right now and am hoping that the fact that the twitches are all over rather than just in one location can still be BFS. Has anyone else had BFS present this way? Thank you!
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Hi the only treatment I received is baclofen for the muscle spasms. I only take it if I absolutely have to because its not safe for me to take really. The last time I took it I woke up on the couch and had absolutely no clue what day it was, why I ended up there, or anything I had done after the baclofen kicked in. I had a friend there with me so I was able to take one because I needed it. Apparently they fed me and I was talking and everything but I have no recollection of it and I slept for 14 hrs. At least the amount of time that I'm sleeping is decreasing. The first time I was not able to function for 3 days. I did not sleep the whole time but I was not able to do anything constructive and slept the majority but I also got out of bed and put a gallon of milk in the cupboard but did not open it and get a drink. I hope you find some answers.
I noticed that you post is almost a year old so I hope you are doing well. I have suffered with body wide muscle twitching for close to 20 years. It was diagnosed as BFS by my Neurologist and I did develop Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy in my feet 3 years ago. My advice is to find a good Neurologist and they will perform a neuroglial exam and EMG/NCS. Twitching body wide is not a symptom of ***. It starts in one hand and always has WEAKNESS associated with it.
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1 ReactionFind a good neurologist in the biggest city close to where you are. The PCP will just refer you to one. The neuro will do a nerve test to see if it is a nerve issue in your arms and legs. They can also test you for ALS, BFS or anything else that they see. Also, remember, you may have more than one issue that is presenting itself at the same time. I would definitely go to the best Neurologist you can find and get a jumpstart on this quickly. All the best to you, my brother-in-law ALS and he was able to get quite a bit of assistance before he has to come to the disease. I am hoping for you that is not ALS.