I am a 40-year-old male with anxiety, and I started getting fasiculations throughout my body. Is it BFS or ALS?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 40-year-old male. After an intense struggle with withdrawal from an anti-depressant over three to four months, I started getting fasciculation throughout my body. Sometimes, I also get cramps and tingling in my extremities. I am concerned if it could be ALS or BFS. After experiencing twitching for two to three months, I took an EMG and underwent a neuro exam; the doctor found no weakness, atrophy, or nerve damage. He said the examination was completely normal and diagnosed it as BFS exacerbated by anxiety. I still feel twitching and do not have any muscle weakness. I have anxiety, and I am currently under treatment.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your anxiety about ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) as fasciculations are not easy negligible. Regarding your recent normal EMG (electromyography) result and neuro examination, I agree with your neurologist's diagnosis and assure you that it is BFS (benign fasciculation syndrome). Considering the following reasons,
1) In ALS, fasciculation, weakness, abnormal signs of upper motor involvement, and atrophy (reduction in the size of the cell, tissue, or organ) evolve in parallel. Fasciculation is a sign of denervation (decrease and loss of the secondary motor neurons that provide nerve supply to the muscles). Therefore, if you experience fasciculation in various parts of your body while EMG and neurological examination are normal, it is not ALS.
2)BFS is a more prevalent condition than ALS.
BFS will improve gradually, if you do not focus on it. Keep a healthy life with mild daily aerobic exercises, and please do not worry.
Take care.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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