Is this ALS?

Hi all,

So, a bit worried, what does it mean when there's been an almost constant interval (about once-an-hour) fasciculation or a "tremor" like twitch between biceps brachii and brachialis muscles. Lasts for a few seconds. About two since days now.

And only there in the biceps. A very slight bit of numb-ish feeling, the kind that we normally get when we say "my hand/ leg has gone to sleep".

Writing from one of the European social healthcare countries where all appointments are a month later, and remedies always begin with a Tylenol. So, any hints on what to expect would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, these tests like Electromyography, how early can these kinds of diseases be detected?

Can somebody give me an indication whether to think this could be ALS? Or something else?

Hi all,

So, a bit worried, what does it mean when there's been an almost constant interval (about once-an-hour) fasciculation or a "tremor" like twitch between biceps brachii and brachialis muscles. Lasts for a few seconds. About two since days now.

And only there in the biceps. A very slight bit of numb-ish feeling, the kind that we normally get when we say "my hand/ leg has gone to sleep".

Writing from one of the European social healthcare countries where all appointments are a month later, and remedies always begin with a Tylenol. So, any hints on what to expect would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, these tests like Electromyography, how early can these kinds of diseases be detected?

Can somebody give me an indication whether to think this could be ALS? Or something else?

Hi all,

So, a bit worried, what does it mean when there's been an almost constant interval (about once-an-hour) fasciculation or a "tremor" like twitch between biceps brachii and brachialis muscles. Lasts for a few seconds. About two since days now.

And only there in the biceps. A very slight bit of numb-ish feeling, the kind that we normally get when we say "my hand/ leg has gone to sleep".

Writing from one of the European social healthcare countries where all appointments are a month later, and remedies always begin with a Tylenol. So, any hints on what to expect would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, these tests like Electromyography, how early can these kinds of diseases be detected?

Can somebody give me an indication whether to think this could be ALS? Or something else?

I would not be too concerned. ALS usually manifests with fasciculations in multiple muscles, and since you are only experiencing infrequent fasciculations in a single location a neurologist would likely just follow your situation for several months to see if there are any changes. If you do not have any muscle weakness or atrophy that would also be a good sign. It could be nothing, or it could be something innocuous like BFS.

While you shouldn't ignore it, I doubt that you have reason to panic.

I have to have a three limb EMG on Feb. 11 since I am having nonstop fasciculations in several muscle groups and have been having sporadic facsiculations in various muscles. I'm crossing my fingers that it is BFS rather than ALS. All other causes have been ruled out is it coming done to one or the other.

Good Luck!

What are the minimum tests that should be conducted to determine if someone had ALS?

Thank you everyone for your support, the ALS is diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic and our cousin is showing more and more symptoms.
She has a feeding tube since months, she started to write everything up instead of speaking, she can hardly walk…
But she is a strong believer, always in a good mood and very creative when it comes to changing habits to make it easier for her and others.

So sorry for her diagnosis. Please tell her that someone she does not know is praying for her, and also all who love her. She sounds like a terrific person. May God bless you all. ❤️