For about 4 months I have been experiencing constant fasciculations, primarily in my calves and feet and recently in my thighs also. About a month ago I had an EMG and a nerve conductivity test. The EMG showed fasciculations in both calves and feet. Also one fibrillation in one muscle of my right calf. The rest of the test was clean. I am an otherwise healthy 39 year old male. I also had a normal neuro exam about 2 months ago. The doctor doing the EMG felt the one fibrillation could be the result of injury/trauma as I am a runner.
I am also having cramping/tightness and some very slight fatigue and soreness in my legs. However, thus far, I do not appear to have any noticeable weakness in my legs and no atrophy. I am able to perform all normal activities including running 12 to 15 miles a week.
Like many with unexplained fasciculations, I am worried about ALS. The doctor said he could not totally rule out early onset of ALS, but that this would be an extremely unusual presentation. What I suppose I am primarily concerned about is the one fibrillation, could this be an incidental finding or an injury? Also, the doctor said it would be unusual for benign fasciculations to appear only from the knees down, is this true? And do benign fasciculations register on an EMG, I am confused on that particular point. My doctor wants me to have a lower spine MRI. I have had lower spine x-rays which were normal. I am a bit reluctant to have the MRI done. I am at the point where I want to get on with my life and not worry about this as long as there continues to be no noticeable weakness. All blood work to this point has been normal, including checking thyroid.
Thank for your time.
CK