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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Re: Muscle vibrations - what is it ? : Hi I have a strange effect in my muscles, they vibrate. I'm conscious of this all the time but especially when I'm not busy I notice it more. It is especially noticeable in a muscle under contraction (not necessarily heavy contraction, just light, normal use). The vibrations are very small and just visible, especially at the end of the limb where the natural leverage makes them look bigger. I'd guess the frequency is 5 or 10 a second, maybe more. They occur everywhere, torso, limbs and face. Are they 'fasiculations'? I thought that fasics were a definite and obvious single twitch in an isolated muscle (I've had these too, but not often). These never stop, and are continuous and rhythmic. They are most obvious in thighs, arms, fingers, torso and jaw - occasionally I get a slight modulation on my voice from the jaw vibration. Another feature is that I can feel my heartbeat almost anywhere on my body and I am very conscious of it especially when relaxing quietly when almost every muscle seems to move slightly on each beat. Sounds weird I know, but I'm sure this is a 'new' feeling. This all started about 6 months ago, I also get mild aches in the same muscles that started about the same time. Can you offer any advice as to a possible cause? (I'm male,28,otherwise healthy) I looked up 'fasiculation' and Motor Neuron Disease seems to be the only documented cause which didn't give me much reassurance. Don
= Dear Don, I am not 100% clear from your description as to the exact nature of the vibration in your extremities. Could this be described, from your point of view as a tremor ? The voice involvement suggests this as a possible explanation. If this is the case you might fit the description of benign essential tremor. You mention fasiculations , and their association with ALS, however this is not the only situationin which fasiculations are found, the also ocurr in healthy people , especially after exercise and in a syndrome known as benign fasiculation syndrome. Fasiculations are really only a significant indicator of ALS if they develop in the context of severe weakness and muscle wasting, in your age group, in the absence of these symptoms I feel this is very unlikely This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition..
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