Cramping twitching and fatigue

[Scheckel5150]

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

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

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.

[Scheckel5150]

My wife reminded me to mention that I've had some hx w/ Migraines & swelling in feet/hands...not sure if related.  Migraines seem to be related to cramps in neck and into back of the head (range of motion can be significantly restricted).  Thanks again...

[Scheckel5150]

Thank you...

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

[TroyK]

P.s Doc I have had many an incidence of "epileptic" Fits that my paramedic friend tried to explain was inward and outward which confused her as she was taught to judge the level of seizure by the "arm" movement (I seemed to show both, contradictory), when I had a car accident ,I apparently had multiple seizures, the emergency doctor sent me for a cat scan and found nothing so diagnosed my seizures because of the pain of opening my head with my window,(never lost consciousness til seizures tho). P.s could I be having mental seizures (for want of a better description, the seizures have been described as typical of an epileptic, however my doctor could find nothing that would cause such seizures? I would be ever grateful of your expertise and reside in South Africa so could not go to one of you referrals there?

[Scheckel5150]

Hello there Troy K....

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

[TroyK]

Shalom Steve
Thank you for the time you afforded me!Will take advice and try again!
Warmest Regards
TroyK aka Sandy