Help. Worried I might have an autoimmune disorder

[Louieboni]

Hi. I am 23 year old male. I am concerned that I have an autoimmune disorder. My symptoms are fasciculations, numbness on the arm, and some times pain. I had an EMG-NCV before and it was normal. My neurologist said I had benign fasciculation syndrom. I recently had my CT Scan on the brain and the only finding is sinusitis. Is this suggestive of an autoimmune disorder? should i pursue more test? It would be very helpful if you share opinions. Thanks

[Joni686]

I can't speak for everything you are asking about but if you want to check for autoimmune you should have an ANA done.  This can be done by drawing blood in the doctor or Rheumy's office or lab if he/she sends you to one and it is a lot easier then going straight for the MRI.  Plus if you insurance is like mine, they won't pay for an MRI without other tests being done first or a particular diagnosis from your doctor.  Ask your doctor to do a lupus panel on you.  An MRI and MRA will shwo lessions but lessions are not always present when you have autoimmune.  ANA should be present if it is autoimmune.  I can only speak about that becasue I have lupus and fibromyalgia and that is what I know about.  For MS I would suggest seeing a Neurologist.  Good luck and please keep me informed.  The best thing you can do is relax and not take action.  Don't get upset before you know what's going on. I know, easier said then done, but please try,
Joni

[Sonflower]

Hi Louieboni;

If you continue to have problems...  I would have further testing done.  Below is a list of causes for the current diagnoses you listed:

Some causes of fasciculations includes cervical spondylosis, multiple sclerosis, poliomyelitis fatigue and dehydration.

To rule out cervical spondylosis an MRI could be done of your cervical spine.

To rule out the autoimmune disease MS, the best I have heard is an MRI of the spine to check for lesions.

I am not sure regarding Poliomyelitis Fatigue...   I would have to look that one up.

And the other is dehydration...   are you dehydrated, do you drink plenty of liquids?

If I were going to have more tests done it would be a Spinal MRI to check out your full spine.

Good Luck!   Sonflower