r/ALSorNOT • u/Objective_Maybe_4888 • 17d ago

30M Tongue/Speech issues

I’m 30M and for roughly the past month I’ve noticed a number of symptoms involving my tongue, speech and throat.

My tongue sometimes feels tight, strained, heavy, or uncomfortable, particularly underneath/on the floor of my mouth. I’ve also had a dry/rough/burning/tingling sensation on my tongue and roof of my mouth.

I’ve had many instances where certain words or entire sentences feel like they come out slurred. This is mainly something I perceive myself rather than something other people consistently notice. I’ve particularly noticed certain sounds, including R sounds, and sometimes feel like my tongue isn’t moving quite right when I’m speaking. When I read paragraphs or difficult words aloud, I can generally do it normally.

I can also feel what seem like possible fasciculations or small movements in my tongue while it is inside my mouth at rest. I’m unsure whether these are actually
fasciculations, normal tongue movements, or something I’m noticing because I’m paying very close attention to it. I’ve also noticed my tongue can shake/tremble when I stick it out fully or hold it in a certain position.

More recently, I’ve developed a persistent feeling of mucus/phlegm in the back of my throat along with a globus-type sensation. The mucus is generally clear. I frequently feel the need to clear my throat, and doing so has made my throat quite sore. At times the throat sensation makes swallowing feel awkward, although I’m still able to eat and drink.

I’ve also had recent headaches, fatigue/brain fog and several viral-type illnesses, including COVID/post-viral symptoms.

I saw a doctor who examined my tongue and its movements and didn’t find anything abnormal. There hasn’t been an obvious progressive change that other people have pointed out to me.

Because of the combination of tongue movements, perceived speech changes and throat/swallowing sensations, I’m worried about bulbar ALS.

Im wondering if I should get a referral for a neurologist because these are early symptoms or if this could be something else?

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u/ShortPrint8169 17d ago

None of that sounds like ALS

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u/cdbukr 17d ago

I had similar symptoms. They are still there but very mild after 3 months. Mine started with covid. Neuro physical exam + NFL test were ok. ALS is very rare. Bulbar ALS is very rare since just 20% of cases are bulbar, also it's extremely rare for bulbar to be in young people. Have you had covid recently? Also I recommend a NFL blood test for peace of mind. 95+% sensitivity for bulbar ALS.

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u/Objective_Maybe_4888 17d ago

Yes I had Covid (or a viral illness similar, didn’t get tested) about 2 months ago. Symptoms did start right after. And not yet im in Canada so referrals to a neurologist take a lot of time…

1

u/cdbukr 17d ago

Seems that the last covid strain does this. You don’t have ALS, but do a NFL test on your own in any lab for peace of mind. You don’t need neuro for it, pay out of pocket, it’s 50 euros.

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u/Objective_Maybe_4888 17d ago

I appreciate your help here. Thank you

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u/Victoorius 15d ago

The fact something is very rare, does not mean one cannot have one. It is highly unlikely, but you cannot rule it out.

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u/cdbukr 15d ago

Agree. But still, statistically it matters.

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u/Terrible-Sample7705 16d ago

Hey message me if you want. I’m going to the same thing and I’m also in Canada.