Muscle Biopsy

[6t5frlane]

Anybody here ever had one to help with a diagnosis?? Problems for 15 months. MOstly calves and feet. Twitching etc. Had EMG in July that was Normal. I've had RA arthritis for 16 years and wonder if that or drugs ( Enbrel ) have caused this. Initial report from pathogogist was MND,but ny Neuro DR is not convinced due to clinivcal exam. Any thoughts. Neuro wants a second opinion on the biopsy...

[6t5frlane]

I would like to add that my left calf and foot feel like there in a tight Ace bandage. My foot feels almost like wet and tingles. I just did 3 deep knee bends and walked on my heels, but I feel some weakness. This constant feeling is driving me crazy like my leg is being squezzed. I was told by one neuro thatals really has no pain or sensory feelings.. Twitching continues but at times it goes to one spot for a day and then gone. Does this sound like als or ms??? Thanks for any input

[BobbyB]

Muscle biopsy
To determine if the patient has a myopathy (muscle disorder) such as muscular dystrophy, rather than ALS, the patient may have a muscle biopsy. A small amount of tissue is taken from a muscle and tested.



Mayo Clinic Medical Services Lou Gehrig's Disease

Lou Gehrig's Disease


Diagnosis of Lou Gehrig's Disease
ALS can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages, since the symptoms and signs are similar to other neurological (nerve) diseases and disorders, including infectious diseases such as HIV, human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) and Lyme disease, or neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, multifocal motor neuropathy and spinal muscular atrophy.

The patient will first have a complete physical examination, along with a detailed history of symptoms and any family history of muscle disease. During the physical exam, the physician will check for signs of muscle weakness. In addition, the patient may undergo various tests, including tests to rule out other conditions. Diagnostic tests may include:

Blood test
Blood can be tested for the enzyme creatine kinase, or CK, which leaks out of damaged muscle. High levels of CK suggest the muscles are likely causing weakness. Blood tests can also be used for genetic testing to detect Familial ALS, which occurs when ALS is present in two or more blood-related family members.

Electromyogram (EMG or electromyography)
This test measures the tiny electrical signals in muscles. A thin-needle electrode is inserted into the muscle to be tested. An instrument records the electrical activity in the muscle at rest and as the patient tries to move or contract the muscle. An EMG may indicate that the motor nerves are not functioning, yet the sensory nerves are normal, a sign of ALS.

Nerve conduction study (NCS or electroneurograph)
Similar to electromyography, this test measures electrical nerve impulses in muscles. Two electrodes are taped to the skin in the affected area of the patient's body. A small shock is passed through to measure the electrical impulses from one electrode to the other. This test is used to determine if the muscle weakness is due to a muscle disease (myopathy) rather than ALS.

Respiratory testing
To determine if muscles that control breathing are affected, a respiratory test may be done.

Muscle biopsy
To determine if the patient has a myopathy (muscle disorder) such as muscular dystrophy, rather than ALS, the patient may have a muscle biopsy. A small amount of tissue is taken from a muscle and tested.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
An MRI of the brain, spine or both may be done to rule out other conditions. This test uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce a detailed, three-dimensional view of the nervous system.

[wlampa]

Sorry to hear about your medical problems. All I want to add is that if you had an emg and it was clean then that is a good sign. I would want to do a repeat emg in about 6 months to a year to see if there is anything new. On biopsy the pathologist can see denervation based on how the muscles look. So it seems like you are getting some conflictling information. Did the biopsy specifically say there was denervation? Also, are you a diabetic? Because diabetes can cause nerve problems especially in the legs. Hope that helps, good luck. Walter.

[6t5frlane]

Not sure exactly what it said. DR is getting a second opinion. I posted in the Vitamin deficienty section under " carnitine Deficient ". Can you take a peak there and have a look. It would appers that There is something going on in my blood. High Neutrophils, high red blood cells. Low Lympocytes. very low Carnitine