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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Cramping twitching and fatigue
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Cramping twitching and fatigue
by Scheckel5150, Oct 06, 2004 12:00AM
I'm a 38 yr old male w/ a hx of Malignant Hyperthermia. In two weeks I have an appt. w/ a neuromuscular specialist. My mother, sister and brother report some of these same symptoms. My symptoms have been increasing (over past several years)in severity, pervasiveness and frequency. Daily, I have muscle cramping in my feet & calves (e.g., when cramps are most severe...I must stand up to straighten them out). But I also have cramping (and twitching) in many other muscles throughout my body (e.g. neck, throat, hands, gluts, triceps, hands, I've even had a cramps under my chin). Cramping can be involuntary or I may cramp if I tighten a muscle and hold it for a 3-count. In addition to the muscle cramps I've been having problems w/ swallowing (cannot eat w/out liquid), diaphoresis and fatigue. W/in the past year I had an episode where I had a 102 degree temp w/ elevated liver enzymes and dark brown urine. A follow up medical appt (w/ family practice) revealed very little...other than my temp returned to normal (over time) and liver enzymes returned to normal (again over time). All lab work ruled out liver disorders (or disorders effecting the liver, e.g., Hep). I continue to have slightly elevated CK levels (approx 750+). A recent swallow study supports my claim of swallowing difficulties (involuntary spasms in throat)and a recent Echo indicates mild regurgitation in the Mitral & Tricuspid valves. I thank you in advance for any insight you may provide...Sincerely.....Shek5150
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Oct 09, 2004 12:00AM
Based on your description it appears you have myotonia (muscle cramps). You also have described malignant hyperthermia, but I am not sure how this diagnosis was made. The chronically elevated CK levels indicate that there is some degree of muscle damage which is continually occurring. I agree that you need to see a neuromuscular specialist and then will most likely need an EMG (muscle/nerve test). After this testing is completed a decision regarding specific blood tests or a muscle biopsy will be made. There are certain conditions which can be found in families, and these include central core disease, myotonic dystrophy, and proximal myotonic myopathy (to name a few). Good luck.
I was diagnosed as MH+ via Muscle Biopsy.
Follow up, I had my appointment w/ Neuromuscular Doc (Dr. Shin Oh, UAB) and he performed an EMG...to which I believe the preliminary results seem to indicate a myopathy of some sort. The doc is waiting on the results of my original muscle biopsy before continuing w/ my treatment. However, I'd like to continue w/ some research of my own...that being said, could someone help me narrow the possible myopathies that may tend to co-occur w/ MH+.
My thanks to anyone that is willing/able to reply.
Sincerely,
Steve
This is Scheckel5150 (aka Steve)...Just want to let you know that there isn't a strong liklihood that a physician is going to re-check this particular forum thread ....
That being said, if I were you... I'd try to repost your question as a "New Question" at the main page (it may take you a few times, but keep trying....its often very busy):
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/neuro/wwwboard.html
It looks like the last time that an MD has checked this forum was on (10/29/2004)CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS
p.s., Good Luck to you....SS
Thank you for the time you afforded me!Will take advice and try again!
Warmest Regards
TroyK aka Sandy