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)
Tongue twitching
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
Tongue twitching
by suzanne L., Oct 18, 2005 12:00AM
is tongue twitching in the setting of having already had body wide twitching for 6 years all over without weakness a more concerning place for a "twitch"?? I have heard a couple of different theories - that the tongue is a muscle and when it twitches it is just like any other muscle. i have also heard it is more a sign of motor neuron disease.
i have been twitching all over for 6 years...I have had historically normal neuro exams and an EMG (over 14 months ago)...but am worried that now the few twitches on my tongue are a more serious concern. i do not slur, have problems swallowing, etc...
i have been twitching all over for 6 years...I have had historically normal neuro exams and an EMG (over 14 months ago)...but am worried that now the few twitches on my tongue are a more serious concern. i do not slur, have problems swallowing, etc...
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Oct 21, 2005 12:00AM
Twitching that is widespread over time without muscle weakness and wasting is very unlikely to be ALS. Tongue twitching does occur in ALS with tongue wasting but this is just one very uncommon cause of twitching. Other common causes include benign fasciculation syndrome, an overactive thyroid gland, pinched nerves, spinal cord problems, or even just exercise/cold in certain people.
You should be seen by a Movement disorders neurologist -- ask them about myoclonus dystonia syndrome or any other that may present w/ similar symptoms.
However, if these are not causing any major disruptions in your life and are not progressive, I would not worry about it so much. There are a lot of benign symptoms that we all have every now and then.
Good luck
ON