Muscle jerks and twitches

I have been having muscle jerks (hypnic?) since I can remember. They have always been without concern as they were sporadic, when I'm about to fall asleep. Until about two years; at that time, they seemed to become more predictable and prior to my dozing off.

This has appeared to be progressive as in the last several months I am now having them jerks during the day (sometimes several times a day) along with painless muscle twitches in almost all over my body (that are off and on all day.) The jerks seem to stem from my hips and elbows. I sometimes can induce them if I lay in a certain position. I have had a sensation of "energy" throughout my body at times as well. on my left side. The muscle twitches ocurr in ALL parts of my body (stomach muscles, legs, feet, arms, hands, shoulders,etc.) They do not usually ocurr near my eyes but I have felt sensations in my face occassionally.)

My doctor initially told me not to worry but when the multivitamin and B complex Vitamin seemed to help some but not resolve the issue. She is supporting running more tests.  I may go a couple days without having symptoms (or they are so mild a barely notice them.) It seems worse around my period, when I'm stressed or tired. My doctor has ran my potassium, rbc, electrolites, etc.

Any other suggestions. I would like a referral to a neurologist but she seems to be wanting to look things over more herself.

[Sidesteps]

Sorry for all the typo's.

[brookewlsn]

Hello. I just posted my symptoms yesterday and they are similar to yours. I have been experiencing mild muscle twitches for close to a year now. They are definitely worse when I am tired or stressed or have had caffeine. The worst was when I did some online research and started worrying that I have MS or ALS. I actually had a panic attack and went to the ER demanding a CT scan. From what I have found online, many people suffer from these symptoms and it's usually benign. Still scary though.

[COBOB]

CT won't help.  You'd need an MRI.  Anyhow, myoclonus is associated with several condition, including many outside the CNS.  Checking B vitamin, electrolytes, CBC, etc are all fine.  An MRI of the Head and C-spine may be reasonable.   You should also consider asking your Primary Care DR for a referral to a Neurologist.

Bob

[Sidesteps]

Update:

After, I received my referral to the Neurologist I crashed and burned. I went from having issues of muscle twitches, jerks to overall feeling quite sick. By the time, I was seen by neurologist I was having trouble remembering things, finding words, typing, balance issues, mild vertigo, optic neuritis, weird shooting pains in my body and he said mild internuclear ophthalmoplegia (my right eye wasn't following my left eye correctly.)  I didn't realize that I had clinical signs so it really upset me which I think made things worse as I started having issues in certain stores (I think it was the lighting), having heavier fatigue and my blood pressure went up (is that normal during a flare up?)

The doctor ordered a CT scan (I know Bob, I know) an EEG and VNG. In my follow-up he told me the tests looked fine but said that he'd like to check my neck injury with a cervical MRI and run a muscle disease test (EMG.) I asked about my vision and balance issues and felt dismissed when he told me that I should see an eye doctor and my balances issues weren't related to my brain. (huh?)  He did say that the CT scan showed a few high density area's but "we shouldn't expect a perfect brain." I was thankful it didn't appear that I had a stroke or tumor so I left without satisfaction yet I knew better... because I had done my research and new that MS lesions don't show well in a CT scan.

This last week, I trusted my instincts and decided to get a copy of my CT scan. I was surprised to find that it stated as the conclusion "The brain suggests subtle areas of DECREASED density in the white matter which may be artifact. If there is a strong clinical suspicion for demyelination, MR scanning does offer a better sensitivity to white matter lesions."  

...and why didn't he order an MRI then???

At my EMG testing, I asked the doctor specifically about concerns with MS. He reviewed my file for about 5 to 10 minutes. He indicated it was an possibility and said he wanted to see these other results and we'd talk about more tests. I think I'm going to request a brain MRI next though I'm not very happy with his overlooking MS so I won't be staying with this doctor long term. I have to wait two months to see the MS specialist so I figure the more tests ran before, the better.

I'm still feeling off balance and my vision isn't better. The twitches seem a bit better but are still here, every day. I am getting headaches and I have these weird cold patches that pop up now too --- my hands and feet, usually the right side.

Silly questions:

Should I get my eye looked at by an opthamologist? and have that documented separately? or just wait it out?

What is everyone's experience with the CT scan showing decreased density in the white matter and having symptoms like mine?  I'm mentally preparing myself but I think I know the answer.

Thank you!