<unk>  is a diagnosis of exclusion; that is, other potential causes for the twitching must be ruled out before BFS can be diagnosed. Diagnosis includes blood tests, a neurological exam, and electromyography (EMG). Another step in diagnosing BFS is checking for clinical weakness or wasting, which are found in more serious conditions. Lack of clinical weakness along with normal EMG results (in those with only<unk> s) largely eliminates more serious disorders from potential diagnosis. In younger people with only lower motor neuron (LMN)<unk> s, no muscle weakness, and no thyroid abnormalities, Turner and Talbot (2013) state that "individuals under 40 years can be reassured without resorting to electromyography (EMG) to avoid the small but highly damaging possibility of false-positives". According to Kincaid (1997), the diagnosis is made when there is no clinical finding of neurogenic disease; he first reassures patients that no "ominous disease seems to be present", and says, "I suggest that patients like this be followed for a year or longer with clinical and electromyographic exams at about 6-month intervals before one becomes secure in the diagnosis that the<unk> s are truly<unk> ." Other publications recommend followups for four or five years before ruling the condition<unk> , although the percentage of individuals who progress to a more serious condition is very low. Classification<unk>  and the variant cramp<unk>  syndrome "can be regarded as part of a larger spectrum of disease that also incorporates acquired auto-immune neuromyotonia. Differential Other serious diseases that must be distinguished include motor neuron diseases (MND) such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), neuropathy, and spinal cord diseases. According to Turner and Talbot (2013), "the<unk> s of MND are often abrupt and widespread at onset in an individual previously unaffected by<unk> s in youth. The site of the<unk> s, for example, those in the calves versus abdomen, has not been shown to be discriminatory for a<unk>  disorder. There is conflicting evidence as to whether the character of<unk> s differs neurophysiologically in MND." It is "exceptionally rare for patients later diagnosed with ALS to present with<unk> s alone", and ALS is ruled out with a normal EMG and no evidence of muscle wasting.
Benign fasciculation syndrome
Hard flaccid syndrome
Cramp fasciculation syndrome
Dopamine-responsive dystonia
Stiff skin syndrome
Klumpke paralysis
Babinski–Nageotte syndrome
Dejerine–Roussy syndrome