Believing Neuro: ALS Not Required

[NervousnessNoMore]

This message is for those who are struggling to believe their neuros. You must start believing your neuro. They test a ton of stuff when you are there. They DO NOT need an EMG to rule out ALS. They only need the clinical if you pass the reflex test, and the strength tests, and don't have atrophy you DO NOT have ALS. I have spent enough time reading about as much as you can read on the internet (including the other site with people who actually have the disease). There is one thing in common. They did not pass the neuro exam. They either had babinksi, Hoffman, jaw jerk, strength problems, coordination problems.....and such. If you are like me and didn't have ANY issues with anything, then you probably didn't get an EMG. Why? There was no need to do one. If you read the other site, they will tell you that they had reflex problems. NOW, if you have brisk reflexes. THAT MEANS NOTHING!!!!!! Anxiety causes that. As long as you don't have clinical weakness, or it's only in one limb, or you have a postive babinksi, or hoffman sign, brisk reflexes are totally normal. Now if you did have a slight issue, and the neuro ordered an EMG and it was CLEAN. Then that rules out ALS also. That is why they do the EMG. It's like getting confirmation.Now if you have abnormalities, that still doesn't mean anything as there are many other criteria to diagnose ALS. There are plenty on here with abnormal EMG's and they DO NOT have ALS.Bottom line believe your neuro. They are the one with the degree!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mommyLDN]

Don, thank you for taking the time to post this. I know you feel like your post dont get much recognition. But dont let that stop you from posting good information like this. There are always our private readers who cant or dont post, so you never know who you could be helping. Some day, posts like this will make more sense to some people and they will realize that passing a clinical exam is a huge thing when it comes to neurological disease.Take Care DonHave a Merry Christmas!!!Robynn )

 

[TatsuDragon15]

Pardon my ignorance but what is a jaw jerk? Is that a shaking or quivering of the jaw?

 

[mommyLDN]

No tatsu, its not when your jaw shakes or quivers. It is a reflex that literally can cause your jaw to just slam shut. Your neuro would have told you if you had it. Even a little of jaw jerk can happen with anxiety, so no worries. Hope you are doing alright, dont see you much anymore.Have a good Christmas ) Robynn )

 

[TatsuDragon15]

Thanks RobynnI'm doing pretty good! How about you? You seem less stressed which is great =)So a jaw jerk basically means if you tap the lower part of your chin it closes? Did you get tested on that and did yours close a little? I never got tested on that but won't worry about it Happy Holidays!

 

[mommyLDN]

Yeah, I'm good considering. Yes my neuro did test for that but only to prove to me that I was brisk from head to toe, LOL. I did have a touch of jaw jerk and a touch of Hoffmans. But no, nothing slammed shut, just a little flinch in my jaw when it was tapped with my mouth open. I was told not to concern myself with it so I dont. Anxiety can cause alot of freaky stuff to change in your body. I bet if I was checked now it would be gone, but I'm not going back to a neuro. )

 

[TwitchyMD]

Jaw jerk (masseter or mandibular reflex) is normal if it is mild, ie your jaw moves towards your upper teeth with minimal movement. Increased jaw jerk is brisk and the movement is rather 1-2 centimeters or even more.Hoffman is considered to be complete sign only if both thumb and one or more fingers flex. If only your index finger responses, it is not complete hoffman sign and it has not significance.

 

[abbitBouncyBunny]

I'm glad I read this post, My orthipedic doc could not get a reflex in my right knee and it scared me to death, My regular Doc can get one by having me bite down on my back teeth. It is weak but he still gets one. My EMG was good so I guess I still am. Thanks and God BlessRandy