Constant twitches and a very unhelpful doctor

[Lolly24]

I am hoping that someone will be able to help me. I am 24 year old female who has experienced episodes of muscle twitches for the past 8 years. The twitches over the years have come and gone but have been pretty much constant over the past 12 months. Although some days are better than others. I have them all over but they have got particularly bad in my hands and feet where it feels like all of my fingers and toes twitch together. I have also experienced new symptoms in that although the twitches tend to happen at rest , they often (bit not always) happen as a reaction to over exerting the muscle. For example if I point my toes for a short period or clench my fist a couple of times then the muscles will twitch vigorously.

I had my reflexes/ strength tested by a doctor three years ago who said everything seemed fine but I recently saw a new doctor who without even looking at my history or examining me said that although a serious neurological condition was unlikely, “if I was going to die of some horrendous disease then surely I wouldn’t want to know”

This of course has made me feel very anxious about my condition and that I may have something like ALS.

I am an EXTREMELY anxious person having suffered from general anxiety for years. As far as I can tell I have no atrophy or weakness but I have never been especially strong or fit person so I find it hard to tell. Can anyone help put my mind at rest?

[paulzee]

Agreed, sounds benign. I suggest taking a look at www.aboutbfs.com, you will get more  help and support there that you got from your doc.

[patsy10]

I agree with medco.  It sounds very much like bfs.  If it was ALS you would be long gone, plus you have no weakness or muscle wasting.  If it were something bad I think it would have progressed by this point.

[medco]

look for informaiton on benign fasciculation syndrome.

[Carol in PA]

It's very condescending of that doctor to tell you that if you had a terminal illness that you wouldn't want to know.  

Your symptoms of anxiety and muscle twitching may be symptoms of magnesium deficiency.
If you do a web search, you will find many articles about this, books too.

Although it would seem a simple thing to supplement magnesium, it comes in many forms, and most of them are difficult for the intestines to absorb.
Magnesium oxide is cheap and often used, but don't waste your money.
This is the one I'm presently using:
Source Naturals, Ultra-Mag, Magnesium as magnesium citrate, taurinate, glycinate, and succinate
If you can't find it at a local store, look online.  I get most of my supplements at iHerb.com, and Vitacost is good too.

You'll need to take 800 mg daily, or more, if your system can tolerate it.
Large doses can cause loose stools, so work up to bowel tolerance.

Bookmark this thread, so that you can come back and let us know how it works for you.
Wishing you the best,
Carol