Asymmetrical Hyper Reflexes - Worried

[alanginsberg]

Just got back from the neuro. He tested my reflexes and stated that one side was stronger (hyper reflexes) than the other (assymetrical) and he then told me that he was scheduling me a MRI for December with an additional nerve test afterward. He told me not to worry and said that he was 99.9 per cent sure that I did not have ALS. He ruled out Parkinsons as well.

I am really worried about the asymmetrical differences. In fact my anxiety is at an all time high. Has anyone else had this problem?

I went there because my pinkie was twitching a couple of weeks ago but is no longer doing it though I have had muscle twitches in that arm every now and then as well as my other leg and my other hand since.

Has anyone else had these experiences? I am really, really worried. I do not know how I am going to get to sleep tonight.

 

[SlavinBreeze]

Asymmetrical differences are relatively common if someone has a spine problems. That's the reason why your doctor send you to MRI. Not only 99.9 % you are free from NMD but 100% in my oppinion. Good night (or morning here in Europe).
Slavin

 

[constance41]

other people have had this here and are doing well, hang in there bud.

 

[SoloMarinker]

Hello Allan,
my left calf is 2 cm smaller than the right one. And it has been that way all the time. But it came into my focus when the twitching started. Do not worry about size differences, that's quite normal.

Martin

 

[Diego4Life]

Allan, reflex anomalies are very common and can be caused by plenty of things other than als. For example, nerve roots yndromes can cause reflex change on one side. This may be why your doctor wants you to have an MRI. An MRI is definitely not performed to rule in or rule out als.

I see reflex differences every day in asymptomatic people and the next time I check them they are normal. It may well be that your reflexes will be different again next time. Your doctor is just being thorough. You need to concentrate on getting your anxiety under control; I cannot stress that enough.

Chill,
Diego4Life

 

[alanginsberg]

Thanks guys for the kind words and advice. I am definitely working on getting my anxiety under control!