Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Trying to Figure it out
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Post a Question Back to Forum
MedHelp Member's Question

Trying to Figure it out

by finfan89, Feb 28, 2004 12:00AM
A quick background in me. I am a 37 year old male and I have been under the most stress of my life this past year.  About a little over a month ago I started to get these muscles twitches (actually feels like a bubble effect) in my thigh.  It left my thigh and then was random through-out my body, from my forehead, eyelids, calfs, triceps...so on. I also notice a tightness from time to time in my right foot arch.  I feel none of this when I am sleeping, and when I wake up, it is like my mind is waiting for the twitching to start.  I really fixate on this.  I never had these experiences.  I had a cousin who died of ALS this past year, and he was 36. He was 1 of 2 people on his nuclear sub to develope ALS.  I am sure there is no connection with me, but what is going on.  I do not feel tired nor do I feel that I have lost any strength, but could all of this be a sign of ALS.  I also briefly experienced, in very small areas of my body, a slight prickly to electric feeling on my skin.  Again, it is very isolated when it happens.  Most of my twitching happens when I am sitting or relax, or just standing without any movement.  What does this sound like?  Thanks for any help.
Doctor's Answer

by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Feb 29, 2004 12:00AM
Fasciculations (muscle twitches) can be due to benign fasciculation syndrome, electrolyte abnormalities, stress, fatigue, and excessive physical exertion. Muscle twitches are also a part of ALS. I can not state that you have or do not have ALS based on a message. What I would recommend is for you to see a neurologist and discuss these concerns with them. They may then perform MRI's, an EMG test (muscle/nerve test), and possiblly some blood tests. Good luck.
Member Comments (18)

by Mother Margaret, Feb 28, 2004 12:00AM
There is a long list of how the body reacts when exposed to too much of any chemical. "Twitching" is one of them. If you could pin point when the 'twitching' first started & what you were doing at that time that was different than before, you may find the answer.  (Even changes or additions of medications)



This is important, because if you don't find the source, whatever the chemical exposure you are having  -  can mean   -  that you are also at risk for the harm from the long term effects of this chemical.



A common chemical that could cause such is 2-butoxyethanol (aka ethylene glycol monobutyl ether).  Fatigue is a long term effect plus the 'gulf war sydnrome' symptoms.  But without the assorted symptoms I wouldn't suspect this one.



After 'chemo therapy' treatment a woman experienced odd 'twitching'  So do you see what I'm saying?

by finfan89, Feb 28, 2004 12:00AM
I was not around any chemicals.  It was my cousin who passed at 36 from ALS, and who was in the navy.  I am just trying to understand what is going on with me.  I feel great, but in the past month these muscle twitches and pins and needle to electric feelings have come out of the blue.   I am sure it is from stress, but I am also concerned that it could be a precurser to ALS or something else.

by Mother Margaret, Feb 28, 2004 12:00AM
All I'm saying that we are exposed to harmful chemicals in ways you would least expect.



Here is the list of other signs of such.



HEADACHE,

sore throat, 

voice change or loss, 

constant humph, 

catarrh, 

unexpected tiredness, 

fatigue, 

sore/watery/gritty eyes, 

irritability, 

anxiety, 

depression, 

loss of concentration, 

short-term memory loss, 

reactions to other chemicals, 

dizziness, 

blocked nose, 

rhinitis, 

mouth ulcers, 

bad/metallic taste in mouth, 

lip sores, 

chest tightness, 

shortness of breath, 

chest pains, 

asthma, 

sinusitis, 

nasal discharge, 

nose bleeds, 

ulceration of nasal mucosa, 

itchy burning skin, 

rashes, 

dermatitis, 

aching joints and muscles, 

fibromyalgia, 

uncontrollable twitching, 

heart arrhythmia's, 

palpitations, 

abdominal pain, 

nausea, 

diarrhea, 

tinnitus, 

earache, 

pins and needles, 

numbness in fingers and toes, 

Raynaud’s Syndrome, menstrual irregularities, 

pain/difficulty urinating. 



Other areas of concern may include liver damage, cancer, teeth and gum problems, reproductive effects and lack of interest in sex.

by finfan89, Feb 29, 2004 12:00AM
To: Everyone Anyone
I guess I did not put the right words in my question to the DX.  Maybe someone out there can answer my question.  I am nervous about ALS, and I have symptoms that could or could not be the beginning. 1st, I developed muscle twitches about a month ago in my thigh, then pretty much all over.  They have pretty much stopped, except for when I am relaxed.  I feel them from time to time in my calfs, and my arms.  My eyelids have also began to twitch.  I have read that the ALS twitching is usually followed by or a result of muscle weakness.  I have no muscle weakness.  My hands and feet are fine, as is my swallowing.  I have been under a lot of stress this past year, but for the first 36 years of my life, I never had this type of reaction to stress.  I feel great physically...but the twitching does play on my mind.  Anyone out there that can give me their opinion on what I am going through, would be greatly appreciated.

by FredZ, Feb 29, 2004 12:00AM
The mind can have a powerful effect on the body. Could it be causing your physical symptoms? Six yars ago I would have said no; but I know differently now. You don't specify what kind of stresses you have been under, but if they cause you to worry and/or not sleep well, they easily could be the cause of your symptoms. It can be a vicious circle. Best of luck.



My $0.02

by finfan89, Mar 01, 2004 12:00AM
A couple more questions for anyone out there.  I also have eyelid twitches...I have been told this is not a sign of ALS since it does not effect that area.  I was also told if you can feel the twitches most likely they are benign.  Mine happen in very small areas and last maybe a second if that.  It seems to be just a quick twitch/bubble feeling.  Mostly happening in the calfs.  One last thing...I also read that the twitches usually start after the detoriating of the muscle, and weakness most likely would be observed after the twitching.  I have none of these.  Anymore answers and info on my questions and ALS would be greatly appreciated.