Understanding Muscle Twitches: Possible Neurological Concerns and ALS
Muscle twitching In May, I noticed that my heels felt numb when I got out of bed, but the sensation disappeared after I walked around for a bit. This symptom lasted for about one to two weeks. However, in August, the numbness returned and lasted for another one to two weeks. In m...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Yeh: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a term that encompasses a group of motor neuron diseases. Typically, there are no significant sensory abnormalities, such as the tingling sensations you mentioned. Motor neurons control muscle movement; generally, the motor ne...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Twitches: Possible Neurological Concerns and ALS
Muscle Twitches, Cramps, and Weakness: Understanding Neurological Issues
Involuntary muscle twitching, cramping, weakness in the left leg, and difficulties in walking? Hello Dr. Jiang! For the past three to four months, I have been experiencing involuntary muscle twitching, particularly noticeable on the left side of my body compared to the right. My ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello Mr. CooK: You mentioned that "when the palm is open and the thumb is pushed towards the palm, it can also cramp. The same situation applies to the index finger (both hands can experience this), and sneezing can cause cramps in the upper abdomen near the ribs." Thi...[Read More] Muscle Twitches, Cramps, and Weakness: Understanding Neurological Issues
Understanding Muscle Twitches: Causes and Concerns in Neurology
Muscle twitching Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing muscle twitching all over my body at irregular times for nearly a month. It tends to occur when I lie down, change positions, or sneeze, with the most common areas being my left chest, back, and abdomen, followed b...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, Sir: The condition you are concerned about, commonly known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primarily involves issues with motor neurons. Motor neurons control muscle movement; generally, the motor neurons in the brain are referred to as upper motor neurons, while t...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Twitches: Causes and Concerns in Neurology
Weight Loss and Muscle Pain: Understanding Symptoms in Neurology
Weight loss and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Hello, doctor. I have another question for you. I forgot to ask during my last inquiry: does a weight loss of 3.5 kg over the past six months (maybe a little more) have any special significance? (From 75 kg to 72 kg) Or am I ove...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, Sir: Your symptoms differ somewhat from those typically associated with motor neuron diseases. However, motor neuron diseases are classified as rare disorders. I recommend that you seek a diagnosis from two leading specialists at National Taiwan University Hospital. Someti...[Read More] Weight Loss and Muscle Pain: Understanding Symptoms in Neurology
Understanding Muscle Issues: Insights from Neurology for Better Health
Muscle issues? Hello Doctor, I am the person who previously inquired about muscle twitching issues. Recently, before my graduation, I visited a physician and mentioned the strange sensation in the muscles on the back of my right hand (which feels odd when I use my arm). I also me...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, Sir: Your concern about ALS primarily refers to issues with motor neurons. Motor neurons control muscle movement; generally, the motor neurons in the brain are referred to as upper motor neurons, while those in the brainstem and spinal cord are called lower motor neurons. ...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Issues: Insights from Neurology for Better Health
Understanding Anxiety About Physical Health: A Neurology Perspective
Constantly worrying about one's health? Hello, doctor. Last time I asked you about the reflexes in my feet, and later that day, I couldn't bear the psychological burden anymore and went to see a doctor. This time, I found a different neurologist. After explaining my sit...
Dr. Hong Weibin Reply:
Hello: It's normal to be concerned about your health, but there's no need to worry excessively. You can exercise at home or read books to distract yourself, which will help prevent you from overthinking every day.[Read More] Understanding Anxiety About Physical Health: A Neurology Perspective
Numbness and Pain Around the Achilles Tendon: What You Need to Know
The skin over the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle is experiencing tingling sensations? Hello Doctor, about two weeks ago, I started experiencing pain in my left Achilles tendon area when performing certain positions or movements, such as stretching my knee straight and p...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms may suggest the possibility of peripheral nerve injury, particularly involving the sciatic nerve. Generally, nerve conduction studies and electromyography can assist in the diagnosis. I recommend consulting with a rehabilitation specialist or a neurologist/ne...[Read More] Numbness and Pain Around the Achilles Tendon: What You Need to Know
Managing Neck Pain and Hand Tremors: When to See a Neurologist
Tremors and neck and shoulder pain issues? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask you about my condition. Due to long-term computer use and carrying heavy books, I experienced shoulder and neck pain three months ago and visited an orthopedic clinic. The doctor diagnosed me with shoul...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: If you experience hand numbness after lifting objects, it may be necessary to consider carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition typically occurs in individuals who perform repetitive wrist movements, such as mechanics, carpenters, typists, and homemakers, particularly affect...[Read More] Managing Neck Pain and Hand Tremors: When to See a Neurologist
Understanding Widespread Pain: When to See a Specialist for Neurological Issues
Multiple areas of pain in a short period of time? Over the past month, I have been experiencing various pains throughout my body. Initially, I consulted a specialist, but due to the wide range of symptoms and the duration of the issue, I began to wonder if it might be related to ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you print out the detailed description and discuss it with your physician. Based on your description, fibromyalgia should be considered. Clinically, it is differentiated from other conditions that present with widespread pain, such as inflammatory or...[Read More] Understanding Widespread Pain: When to See a Specialist for Neurological Issues
Understanding Weakness in the First Finger Joint: Causes and Concerns
Weakness in the first phalanx of the left hand? Hello, I sometimes feel weakness in the first phalanx of my left index finger when pressing down, usually occurring at night, and it feels better after I wake up. My left thumb and middle finger have also experienced this once; my r...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms seem to be located in the joints of your hand. It may be necessary to consider issues related to the muscles and tendons. I recommend discussing further examinations with your attending physician, as many tests may not provide definitive answers. It might be ...[Read More] Understanding Weakness in the First Finger Joint: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Progressive Left Shoulder Pain: Causes and Insights
The left shoulder joint experienced mild pain in the morning, which escalated to severe pain by the afternoon and evening? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing mild pain in my left shoulder joint when I wake up in the morning (the pain is located above the left clavi...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms may suggest tendonitis. Frozen shoulder refers to "adhesive capsulitis." Inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule leads to adhesions, resulting in decreased joint mobility, causing pain and limitations in movement for the patient. The primary trea...[Read More] Understanding Progressive Left Shoulder Pain: Causes and Insights
Understanding Hand and Foot Numbness: When to Seek Neurology Help
The ring finger of the right hand cannot be straightened upon waking up in the morning? Hello Dr. Jiang, I have two questions I would like to ask: 1. My right ring finger is in a clenched position when I wake up in the morning and I cannot straighten it. I use my left hand to h...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: The first issue you raised concerns "trigger finger." It is generally believed that repetitive and forceful use of the fingers over a long period can lead to tendon and tendon sheath injuries, swelling, and poor blood circulation. If there is frequent exposure to...[Read More] Understanding Hand and Foot Numbness: When to Seek Neurology Help
Understanding Muscle Pain and Twitches: Causes and Solutions
Muscle pain and twitching? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing soreness in my left hand and left foot for the past two months. A few days later, my right hand also started to hurt, and my fingers are painful as well. I have also noticed muscle twitches throughout my body (in m...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description of limb weakness and muscle twitching pain, the causes may include not only muscle and nerve issues but also some metabolic diseases such as thyroid dysfunction and sleep disorders. It is recommended that you first consult an internist for evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain and Twitches: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tinnitus and Dizziness: Insights from Neurology
Tinnitus, dizziness? Hello Dr. Jiang, the following questions are for a patient (I actually have similar symptoms myself): 1. Tinnitus, dizziness, and a sensation of noise in the head have been intermittent for 30 years (I am 56 years old this year). 2. Recently, after 8 months ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the management of cardiovascular disease primarily involves controlling the three highs (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia), which you seem to have achieved. However, you did not mention any sleep issues, so it may be worth consider...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus and Dizziness: Insights from Neurology
Can Surgery Fix My Pinky and Ring Finger Coordination Issue?
Regarding the interconnection issue between the little finger and the ring finger? Hello, I was born with a condition that prevents me from fully extending my pinky finger. Whenever I bend my pinky, my ring finger also bends along with it. I would like to know if this condition c...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: The movement of the distal joints of the fingers involves the deep tendons, which create a linkage effect. Most people do not have a completely independent extensor tendon for the ring finger, which is why it cannot be straightened on its own. As for the control of the fle...[Read More] Can Surgery Fix My Pinky and Ring Finger Coordination Issue?
Understanding Involuntary Wrist Twitches: Causes and Insights
Involuntary wrist twitching? About a week ago, my wrist started to twitch suddenly, and I can clearly feel the tendons contracting. However, it seems to only happen after I finish lifting heavy objects. At the moment it occurs, my wrist feels weak but not painful. I would like to...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms may suggest localized muscle inflammation, especially after excessive muscle use. Additionally, electrolyte imbalances can also lead to abnormal muscle tension. However, if the symptoms persist, it may be necessary to consider dystonia: this condition is char...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Wrist Twitches: Causes and Insights
Understanding Weakness in the Left Thumb: Is It ALS or Something Else?
Weakness in pressing down with the left thumb? Three days ago, I suddenly lost strength in my left thumb, making it difficult to perform tasks such as wearing a helmet, buttoning clothes, and unplugging devices. It has felt somewhat stiff and less agile for almost a year now. Whe...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms may need to rule out ulnar nerve pathology and other common issues. Generally, ulnar nerve pathology can cause numbness. In cases of severe ulnar nerve pathology, the muscles it innervates may atrophy, leading to a "claw hand" deformity. Atrophy of ...[Read More] Understanding Weakness in the Left Thumb: Is It ALS or Something Else?
Understanding Hand Weakness and Numbness: When to See a Specialist
Weakness and numbness in the hands? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing issues with my hand for several years. Whenever I perform actions like wringing a towel or tying my hair, my right wrist sometimes becomes immobile for a period of time. It feels as if the tendons inside a...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: You mentioned that the action of twisting a towel to tie your hair has caused symptoms such as numbness and weakness in your wrist. From the perspective of potential causes, this may be related to compression of the median nerve. However, you also mentioned experiencing nu...[Read More] Understanding Hand Weakness and Numbness: When to See a Specialist
Why Can't I Open My Fingers? Understanding Hand Pain and Treatment Options
Inability to open fingers? I would like to ask about experiencing pain when clenching both fists, and having difficulty opening the ring finger after clenching for about three months. What could this condition be, and should I see a neurologist or a surgeon? Thank you.
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: You mentioned that you are unable to open your ring finger. If there are no symptoms of numbness or tingling, the first consideration might be trigger finger. Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when the tendons in the finger become inflamed, lead...[Read More] Why Can't I Open My Fingers? Understanding Hand Pain and Treatment Options
Understanding Chronic Calf Pain and Weakness: Causes and Treatments
Chronic calf pain and weakness? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent pain and weakness in my calves. Initially, it was occasional, but now it has become more frequent. Each time I experience this pain and weakness, I feel that my calf muscles are very tight, and my t...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms seem to be related to the accumulation of lactic acid in your calves, causing soreness. You may want to consider your posture as a contributing factor. Additionally, it might be worth considering issues with venous blood flow in the lower extremities, as arte...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Calf Pain and Weakness: Causes and Treatments