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Suggest Treatment For Stiffness In Tongue And Post Nasal Drip
Question: I hope this finds you well.
I am a 36 year old female. I don’t have any ongoing health concerns but over the past 3 weeks I have started to have issues with swallowing. I don’t have a problem while eating or drinking, it seems more related to swallowing in general.
My tongue has a stiff feeling to it and my throat seems closed (much like when you have that very nervous feeling or post nasal drip). It almost feels as if my tongue cannot relax or is too big for my mouth. Than in past week I had 8 days of consistent eye twitching (every 5-10 minutes) which since has disappeared. My jaw and neck feel stiff and a little locked. I find myself having to clear my throat many times a day
I do not think I slur my words (no one has mentioned anything anyway) although at times I think I do (most likely due to me analyzing every movement now). My mistake was googling my symptoms and being pointed towards bulbar onset ALS – and ever since I am in a state of anxiety. I visited my family doctor who dismissed it saying it doesn’t present itself in this way and I do not fit the age category.
It seems a fair number of people suffering from bulbar presented themselves with some sort of “nasal drip” or clearing their throat before more drastic symptoms.
Do you think I should push for an EMG?
Many thanks in advance.
I am a 36 year old female. I don’t have any ongoing health concerns but over the past 3 weeks I have started to have issues with swallowing. I don’t have a problem while eating or drinking, it seems more related to swallowing in general.
My tongue has a stiff feeling to it and my throat seems closed (much like when you have that very nervous feeling or post nasal drip). It almost feels as if my tongue cannot relax or is too big for my mouth. Than in past week I had 8 days of consistent eye twitching (every 5-10 minutes) which since has disappeared. My jaw and neck feel stiff and a little locked. I find myself having to clear my throat many times a day
I do not think I slur my words (no one has mentioned anything anyway) although at times I think I do (most likely due to me analyzing every movement now). My mistake was googling my symptoms and being pointed towards bulbar onset ALS – and ever since I am in a state of anxiety. I visited my family doctor who dismissed it saying it doesn’t present itself in this way and I do not fit the age category.
It seems a fair number of people suffering from bulbar presented themselves with some sort of “nasal drip” or clearing their throat before more drastic symptoms.
Do you think I should push for an EMG?
Many thanks in advance.
Brief Answer:
ALS very unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Bulbar onset ALS first symptoms are:
-Slurred speech, hoarseness, or decreased volume of speech.
-Aspiration or choking during a meal more prominent with liquids.
ALS is a very-very rare condition of people under 40 years old.
So, I agree with your primary care Doctor's opinion,, ALS is very unlikely the cause of your symptoms.
You can ask for an EMG in order to ease your mind, but I think it will show nothing.
In my opinion you should consider consulting with an ENT Doctor to evaluate other possible conditions that may cause your difficulty in swallowing such esophageal related dysphagia and oropharingeal related dysphagia.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
ALS very unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Bulbar onset ALS first symptoms are:
-Slurred speech, hoarseness, or decreased volume of speech.
-Aspiration or choking during a meal more prominent with liquids.
ALS is a very-very rare condition of people under 40 years old.
So, I agree with your primary care Doctor's opinion,, ALS is very unlikely the cause of your symptoms.
You can ask for an EMG in order to ease your mind, but I think it will show nothing.
In my opinion you should consider consulting with an ENT Doctor to evaluate other possible conditions that may cause your difficulty in swallowing such esophageal related dysphagia and oropharingeal related dysphagia.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Hi -
Thank you very much for your reply.
So you do not believe that tongue stiffness and swallowing issues together with clearing my throat can be a first indication of Bulbar Onset?
Thank you very much for your reply.
So you do not believe that tongue stiffness and swallowing issues together with clearing my throat can be a first indication of Bulbar Onset?
Brief Answer:
Yes.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Yes, I think those symptoms are not typical of bulbar onset ALS.
Hope I helped you.
Regards.
Yes.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Yes, I think those symptoms are not typical of bulbar onset ALS.
Hope I helped you.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Yes.
I have started experiencing leg twitching in addition, does twitching generally start in one limb or can it affect both?
It seems my calves are experiencing twinges and twitches - I am seriously getting worried about this.
I have started experiencing leg twitching in addition, does twitching generally start in one limb or can it affect both?
It seems my calves are experiencing twinges and twitches - I am seriously getting worried about this.
Brief Answer:
Just twitching doesn't mean ALS.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Calves twitching is not a typical symptom of bulbar onset ALS.
Early symptoms of ALS include the following, not just twitching in calves:
-Difficulty walking, tripping or difficulty doing normal daily activities.
-Weakness in leg, feet or ankles.
-Hands weakness, clumsiness.
-Slurring of speech or trouble swallowing.
-Muscle cramps and twitching in arms, shoulders and tongue.
-Difficulty holding the head up or keeping a good posture.
I don't think yours is an ALS condition, however, since you are seriously worried about get tested with nerve conduction study, EMG and evoked potentials.
Discuss with your Doctor about these issues.
Best regards.
Just twitching doesn't mean ALS.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Calves twitching is not a typical symptom of bulbar onset ALS.
Early symptoms of ALS include the following, not just twitching in calves:
-Difficulty walking, tripping or difficulty doing normal daily activities.
-Weakness in leg, feet or ankles.
-Hands weakness, clumsiness.
-Slurring of speech or trouble swallowing.
-Muscle cramps and twitching in arms, shoulders and tongue.
-Difficulty holding the head up or keeping a good posture.
I don't think yours is an ALS condition, however, since you are seriously worried about get tested with nerve conduction study, EMG and evoked potentials.
Discuss with your Doctor about these issues.
Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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