After everything, Muscles still twitching

[becjo]

Hi!  I've posted before and you've been very helpful.  I was being tested for MS which turned out to be negative after blood tests, MRI's and a spinal tap.  It was suggested by you and my doctor to try an SSRI after all the symptoms started after my miscarriage.  My OB/GYN started me on Celexa once a day and that really did seem to help my symptoms. For a few months, I was fine - no problems.  Well, now, my arms and legs are started to get that weak feeling back but what's worrying me is the twitching in my arms again.  The muscles seem to be constantly twitching in fast heavy twitches.  Plus, they feel weaker every day.  Its hard to explain because it sometimes doesnt feel like muscle weakness as much as like a blood circulation weakness.  Does that make sense?  It doesnt feel like the blood is getting to my arms - but  then again, weakness is weakness so I'm not sure what the problem is.  The twitching is what worries me. Of course, my mind turns to the worst again and wonder if it could be something terrible like ALS or did they miss a MS diagnosis?  What would you suggest I do next?  Thanks again for all your help!

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

I remember our previous communications well. I understand how you may be worried about all the possible diseases that your symptoms may represent. However, ALS is a progressive degenerative disease that causes weakness which does NOT get better. Your clinical history including the fact that you were "fine" for a while on Celexa with no symptoms is helpful in ruling out the diagnosis of ALS. Also, the fact that you've had twitching since you first posted and it's been a few months and your neuro still does not find anything serious on exam is also reassuring that it's likely NOT ALS. Finally, a normal MRI, spinal tap, and physical exam help to make the diagnosis of MS less likely, too. You may have benign fasciculation syndrome which can be exacerbated by stress.It may help to get some counseling. But if you and your neuro are convinced that there is a neurologic disease process going on, you can consider an EMG to look at the twitching. Good luck.

[Victoryia]

Sorry to hear what is happening. A good way to find out if there is true muscle weakness is to have an EMG done. Has your doctor suggested it? If not, I would ask the doctor if she/he thinks it would help in finding out the cause of the weakness type feeling you are having. It can also help find out what those twitch like symptoms you are having.

[becjo]

My neuro on the last visit said she was stumped.  She didnt think it was Mysthenia Gravis (which is what my mother and grandmother have) and she didnt even acknowledge ALS - but reading stuff on this internet makes you wonder.  She did suggest having an EMG done but only because she is stumped - not because she expects to find anything.  So, I'm kinda not sure if I want to go through the test when I'm taking it as its just something to do - know what I mean?  But I guess if the twitching keeps on, I'll have to do it to see what they find.

[right hand man]

Im having a problem with my right hand and wrist.Its progressive.Whats happening is the muscle in my hand/center of palm is slowly deteriorating.Im loosing strength and ability to use my pinky and ring finger and it seems to be spreading.. there is a slight ache but no major pain.Ive notice a definite decrease in size of my hand and forearm over the past 6 months.I have no numbness at all and no discoloration..There are numerous twitches throughout my hand that last all day.24 hours..only in my hand and fingers especially my pinkie finger. it has me worried and of course ANY advice would be appreciated.Ive been to several doctors and up to this point they have no idea.My grandmother has M.S. but has no symptoms like this.

                         thanks for you time,
                                   concerned,
                                       -JASON LEE-

[Victoryia]

if there is congenital MG in your family I would highly suggest having the EMG or SFEMG done. MG is not something to mess with.

Do you ever have breathing issues, bad reactions to meds, get weakness later in the day, did any of these things happen to you as a child? Did the neuro suggest the TENSILON test for you?

The Tensilon test is a test for MG, where they inject Tensilon and look how you react to it. If your symptoms get better immediately after the injection than it definitely warrants further testing for MG.

If one goes into MG Crisis it is SERIOUS, and can be a reason to get IMMEDIATE medical treatment. Also one needs to be very careful with medications as some CAUSE MG to greatly worsen.

Am EMG can tell a lot of things to the Neuro, which in my opinion would be a good test to get done.

[right hand man]

Hello,right hand man again.
Ive had no problems at all with breathing,I dont take any medications,not even cold medicine.Ive had no health problems as a child.I can say though  that some days are a bit worse,if I dont get enough sleep it seems that the next day the twitches are worse,a bit more violent.. besides my hand,I feel great,no problems at  all.. I went to a doctor in Prague,CZ and my last visit we were doing x-rays of my chest and neck and the next step was going to be an M.R.I. or cat scan I believe its called. Im in London now and will be going back to the states soon,when I go to the doctor what should I tell them and ask for?considering Ive been numerous times already in the Czech republik.
                   thank you for your time! really..
                              sincerely, -JASON-

[catwoman6]

I suffered with severe twitching and muscle spasms after my child was born in 1999.  My fingers and toes constantly tingled.  I was petrified that I had one those those terrible diseases like the ones you mentioned.  I couldn't sleep.  I could'nt concentrate.  After 8 months of this, I decided to see a psychiatrist.  He diagnosed me with post partum depression.  The muscle twitching and numbness and tingling was from hyperventaling all the time.  I did'nt feel like I was hyperventilating, (like breathing too fast).  What was happening was I was just over-breathing.  This whole thing made me feel alone and crazy.  I knew something was wrong with me and no one could figure it out.
After trying a few different antidepressants, I found the right one.  I am happy to say, that I am no longer having any of those symptoms and am back to my normal self.

[queeniee2002]

Hi. What antidepressant seemed to help you? i am very curious. I have constant twitching. Thanks. Sharon
***@****

[kimmer]

i was diagnosed with mg in 1996. i had a thynectomy, ivig, plasma, i was in remission for three years taking mestinon daily as well as steroids and immuran. i was 28 i am now 36 and i am weaker than before i have dificulty breathing walking reading and i can no longer drive i cannot lift the objects in the kitchen adn cannot push a vacuum without stopping to rest does anyone know how i feel i have shaking hands  tremors after walking in my legs.



sincerly kimmer

[patcpa]

I've been troubled by muscle twitching for the past few months.  No other symptoms.  Just annoying twitching in my face, arms, hands, occasionally my midsection or calf.  But the face and hands are the most aggravating.  They seem to be getting more frequent and a bit more intense as time goes by.  My primary physican has referred me to a rheumatologist, and the appointment is coming up in a couple weeks, but I don't see the connection between these symptoms and rheumatology.  Can anyone explain that to me?  I've been pretty stressed lately, but I don't want to assume that's what's causing it in case it's something more.

[Zerbinetta]

Hello,

This is my first post w/you & I'm desperate for some help.  I've been on 75 mcg. Levoxyl for hypothyroidism, and Atenolol for heart palpitations for about 4 years.  Other than that, I am healthy.

About 3 years ago, I began to feel weak in the legs whenever I became too hot.  Usually, when I cooled off a bit, I was fine.  In the fall, I'd just thrive, my energy improved until the first heatwaves of summer.  But 6 months ago, the weakness became more steady and it didn't matter if I was hot or not.  I went to a neuro, who tested me for MS (MRI, EMG, spinal tap, complete CBC) & was told that all my tests were "borderline abnormal".  Not enough for an MS diagnosis.  I was tested for diabetes, but don't have that either.  Tested negative for Epstein Barr and Lyme's disease.  I was finall given Provigil & took 400 mgs. daily with a potassium supplement, but the weakness continued and has even progressed. The only thing my doctors can find specifically is a high TSH level.  We've increased my Levoxyl, but to no avail.  Now, we are waiting to get into an endocrinologist.

I have stumped my doctors, or else they're not talking.  My weakness isn't fatigue, because I can't do anything to get fatigued.  I wake up feeling okay in the morning, but by 1 pm, I feel so tired I barely can walk across the room.  Strangely, the fatigue usually leaves me around 6 pm each night.  

I can no longer drive, cannot walk without a walker, cannot climb my stairs.  If grocery shopping, I have to use the little scooters to get around.  After unloading the bottom of my dishwasher, I have to take a 30 minute break before finishing the upper half.  I am secluded in my home.  I was a voice teacher, but I can no longer do that regularly, as I can't guarantee how I'll feel and I have problems playing the piano.  All I can do is breathe.  

Does any of this sound like anything to you?  Can it be possible I may yet have MS that is so early in stage that it didn't show?  I'm 47 years old & I have a lot I still want to do in my life.  Please, please, help me or advise what other direction to go.

Thanks,
Patti

[Buckethead]

Hey, i am 18 and my symptoms started when i was 17, i got muscle twitching in my knees and has progressed all over my body, now i have crapms in my calves and hands, with slight pains in my hands arms and legs, nearologist says its beningn fasicualtions, can it be parkinsons disease? or what is it, it scares me, i get numbness in my face, my jaw jerks, and twitching in my face.... could it be P.D.? thanks for the time...

[Buckethead]

Hey, i am 18 and my symptoms started when i was 17, i got muscle twitching in my knees and has progressed all over my body, now i have crapms in my calves and hands, with slight pains in my hands arms and legs, nearologist says its beningn fasicualtions, can it be parkinsons disease? or what is it, it scares me, i get numbness in my face, my jaw jerks, and twitching in my face.... could it be P.D.? thanks for the time...

[K8ySocr7]

Hi

Recently, my left eye has been uncontrolably twitching!  It has never done this before, but I was wondering if this is a cause for concert?  

It doesnt do it all the time, but about 15 min. every other hour or so.  I wanted to know if I should seek medical help, or if will pass.  A friend of mine is actually going through the same thing and we both dont know what to do.  I dont want to go to the doctor to make a big deal about nothing.  

Any help is welcome.
Thanks!