Muscle twitches

Hello,
    I am wondering about a condition that I have that started about a week ago.  I was carrying some rather heavy bags on my right arm, and right after I came home, my thumb in that hand starting twitching.  This lasted for about three days, off and on.  It seemed to be mostly my thumb, but when I would try to use the mouse on my computer, it would feel like it was my whole hand.  I finally went to a doctor (not my regular guy, who was booked) who said that it was probably carrying the bags, and that I didn't have any signs of neurological deficiencies.  This was my regular MD.  Anyway, I don't know if this could possibly be in my mind, but now I feel like I'm getting the twitches and tremors everywhere.  Just sitting here typing this now, I had a bad twitch that lasted a few minutes on my lower lip.  I feel like I keep getting them in my calves and feet.  I am so anxious about this, and maybe that could be what is causing this, but it's hard to imagine my mind doing all of this.  I went to my regular doctor today, and he seemed concerned, and said that I need to see a neurologist.  He mentioned ALS, Parkinson's and MS, but also said that there are alot of other reasons to get the twitching.  He took some blood work, and then said to make an appointment with a neurologist.  Do you think this sounds like something serious?  As I am sitting here, I am getting the twitching going down my neck now.  I couldn't possibly be so full of anxiety about this that I could be causing this, could I?  By the way, I am a 47 year old female, in generally otherwise good health.  Thank you so much for any help!  By the way, I don't have muscle weakness that I know of, or anything else.  Thanks, Val

[skyhag]

Hi there...I'm so sorry to hear about your disturbing symptoms.  I have been having a very similar condition.  I'll cut to the chase by telling you I've yet to receive a diagnosis.  I am a 52 year old female with a history of good health.  This nightmare started last August.  Initially, it was just a tightness in my head with ear pressure and sometimes blurred vision.  Then the twitching and internal tremors began.  I had an appt. with a neuro and he seemed to think it was nothing more than extreme tension in my neck putting pressure on my cranial nerves.  I had an MRI w/wo contrast and it came back OK.  I will tell you that anxiety about your illness will only intensify the symptoms.  I have also feared MS, ALS, Parkinson, and even brain tumor.  The symptoms all mimic one another.  This has been going on for seven months now and I've learned I do better when I refuse to be frightened by the symptoms. For the past few days I have found some relief by taking a muscle relaxer called Flexeril.  Just a thought.  Anyway, best wishes to you and I will be interested to know how your neuro appt. goes. Also, keep in mind that hormones (or lack of them) can create all kinds of havoc in our bodies.

Kay

[valger59]

Thank you so much for the info!  I can't believe I could be doing this to myself, you know how it's impossible to imagine that?  The weird thing with my case, is that my thumb started twitching almost immediately after I had gotten home from carrying some bags from the grocery store on that arm, and it was sort of heavy.  The doctor thinks it's possible that I somehow injured a tendon or something there, and then after that initial twitching in my thumb, I got freaked out, and started twitching in other places.  But, as I mentioned, I find it hard to believe that I could be causing the other twitches.  The thumb twitching went on for about three days on and off, and that is almost gone now.  I went to a chiropractor who said that it could be from the bags.  The weird thing is that I definitely have twitching in my thighs and in my lower extremities, I can't imagine that it's something I'm creating.  I am a really anxious person, though, and have tended in the past to be a hypochondriac.  The thing is, these twitches are terrible for someone like me, because as I have read, the more you think about them and worry about them, the worse they become.  
    The thing that is making me feel better is coming on boards like this one, and talking with others, because it does seem to be a common symptom, and not everyone with twitches seems to have some neuro diesease such as ALS.  It just scared me yesterday at the doctor, when he acted concerned, and said that muscle twitching gets their attention, and that it's a little unusual for anxiety.  He mentioned the three big diseases that we are all afraid of, but also pointed out that many other things can cause them.  It's all just so scary, so thanks for the reassuring words.  I have my neuro appt. in about two weeks, don't you hate the waiting game??  Thanks again, Val

[kidcoconut]

Hi, Try to relax ! I'm 46,male, and in pretty darn good physical shape if I do say so myself ! I've got the twitches though ! Yes, I'm concerened about all the bad things, MS, ALS, etc.etc., but I think it's nothing but Benign Fasiculation Syndrome. I was/am too afraid to go to the doctor with it. I did go and get checked for Lyme disease which came back negative, but I was too afraid to mention the twitching. ( this was a young doctor, my regular guy wasn't available, so I just went to whomever. I asked him to put me on anti-biotics while we waited for the Lyme test, but he refused. He's pretty "by the book", which is why I didn't tell him about the other stuff. ( which is really why I went in the first place ! Because I was pretty sure he was going to send me for all kinds of tests which I was afraid to go on. I know, I know, chicken ! ) I've always has trouble with tightness in my neck, shoulder "stingers" that last for months, carpal tunnel almost every year. This has gone on for about 8 years.) The twitching started in late December. I just noticed my right arm twitching right where the forarm meets the bicep area. I thought nothing of it, then my left pinky was twitching when I was sitting at the computer. Like pulling to the side. Then I read up about twitching, which was my first mistake! Began worrying about ALS and such, then I started twtiching in my back, my pelvis, both legs, both arms, you name I twtiched there. I did think it was computer related, as that's when I'd get the shoulder burn and carpal tunnel in the past. Anyway, about 2 weeks ago it almost stopped completely. Only to return after a party we had for St. Pat's. Now I'm twitching like there's no tomorrow. The good thing about it is I've increased all of my weight lifting and treadmill, and I'm an excellent walker on my heels and toes now !!!! I told my wife that fear is a great motivator ! I figure if I can lift more than I did last time, or run faster, I must not have any muscle weakness! Still, it's scary at times. I'm much better when I'm not stressed. I've tried Quinine, magnesium, calcium, thyroid extract stuff, all kinds of Vitamins, enzymes, no real help. Does anyone know if you can test yourself for muscle weakness. I'm just wondering if I might have some but my other muscles are compensating and I can't tell. I really don't want to go to the doctor. I kind of look at it like if it's one of the "bad ones" they can't do anything about it anyway, so I'd rather be blistfully unaware. Yeah right, blistful is anything but what i am !!! Let me know how you make out, I'm sure it's nothing. But I know logic doesn't play a big role when you're all nervous.

[skyhag]

You're right...it does help to vent to someone who understands your frustration.  Those who are not affected do not realize the sleepless nights that accompany this type of frustration.  I will offer you one bit of advice...limit your internet education, because there are few sites that offer encouragement.  They will scare you to death!!!  (It sounds like you have at least one dr. who's doing a good enough job of that)  I think you are doing the right thing by seeing the neurologist and don't be surprised or alarmed if he orders an MRI or muscle/nerve tests.  It's precautionary.  My greatest panic attack occurred when he gave the order for the MRI and upon arrival at the radiologist I noticed he had marked the diagnosis box "brain tumor".  When they finally were able to pull me off the ceiling they explained that this was common for insurance purposes.  They need to tell you these things!!!  Take care and try to surround yourself with positive reinforcement.  

[kidcoconut]

I'm not going to ask why " Skyhag" !

Just curious, what did the MRI show. What do they say you have or don't have. If I had to go there and it said "Brain Tumor" I'd drop dead on the spot. They could cross off the "Brain Tumor" and pencil in Massive Heart Attack!

[valger59]

Thank you so much for the very helpful comments!  I tried to post before, but it seemed to not work, so I apologize if this is my second posting.  
     I'll try to remember what I said!  I was saying that I don't think I have muscle weakness, but I'm not sure as to what that would feel like.  I think that is also something that you can become too fixated on, though, as are most of the neurological symptoms.  
    Years ago, I used to have panic attacks, and it would amaze me the things that my body could do when I felt these things.  So, it shouldn't surprise me that I'm feeling muscle twitches that could be benign, or something I'm sort of making happen.  It certainly does seem like the more you worry about them, the more that you get.  I am actually surprised though at the concern over muscle twitches.  I thought that my doctor would laugh me off, and instead he made me a nervous wreck.  He said that, especially at my age, (47)...these twitches get their attention.  He mentioned the three big diseases, and so that will be in my head until I get to the neuro, and hopefully get reassured.  It seems like a fairly common thing to have these twitches, and the people that get them tend to be the anxious types in the first place, and there starts the syndrome.  This, of course, is wishful thinking, I do hope that I have nothing serious, and I am also pretty fixated on the big things right now, like ALS.  I think the scary thing is just how awful ALS is, and that twitching can be a first symptom.  However, I also have read where twitching comes on after the weakness, and I don't think I have that.  I do get stiff and sometimes my knees will give me trouble, is that the same thing?  I attribute that to not exercising enough, and needing to loose weight.  
     The twitches that I am currently experiencing are probably not major enough to have gotten my attention and gone to the doctor, it was that first thumb thing that was so stange.  I couldn't even use my mouse on the computer, and it lasted for a few days.  That particular twitch is all but gone now, and I am left with the ones randomly occuring throughout my body, especially when I am sitting here typing, or at rest.  I'm taking a vitamin now each day, along with a magnesium supplement.  Have any of you gone to a chiropractor for this?  I have read where back problems can cause twitching also.  
     I'm sorry to you guys also for your disturbing symptoms, I know better than anyone how these things tend to take over your life if you let it.  That is what I am hoping, is that this is one of those things that I tend to obsess about for a while, and then it will go away, after the reassurance from the Neuro (I hope!)....anyway, thanks again, talk to you soon!  Val

[skyhag]

I too have been told that the weakness comes first and then the twitching when dealing with ALS.  We must also keep in mind that ALS is extremely rare, but those odds don't seem so good when it's our own health we're talking about.  When is you neuro appt?  I'm totally against prescription anxiety medication in most cases, but I'm wondering if you wouldn't be well served to have something that would help you relax until after the dr. appt.  I won't continue to take up space on your post since I have told you all I know (which isn't much) about your symptoms.  Just know I'm concerned and will be watching your post to hear about your diagnosis (partly for my own sake)

If I may address kidcoconut (is that nickname right?)  I am a retired flight attendant, thus the name skyhag.  My brain MRI was negative and my neuro more or less blew it off and called it "muscle tension putting pressure on my cranial nerves".  I guess I should be relieved, but I'm just not completely convinced.  I've decided to lighten up a bit and see if the symptoms won't subside.  It sounds as if you have maintained a wonderful sense of humor which is always great medicine.  

Best wishes to each of you!!!

[valger59]

Hi all~~
    You're right, we are having too much fun on here to be sick!!  Ha ha~~that comment made me feel good!  I really do think that as soon as I get reassurance from the neuro (if that DOES happen, let's hope).....then these twitches will miraculously dissapear.  You guys did hear my shoe story, right??  You are so funny, kidcoconut, cause you remind me so much of my brother, and he and I compete in the "biggest hypochondriac" contest.  He is so funny, he started text messaging me last night, he is a teacher and was staying up late to grade papers.  Anyway, he was trying to make me feel better about my symptoms by telling me all the things that were going on with his family, and he said "I personally walked straight into a wall three times today, my wife thinks she has lupus, my daughter is an insomniac (she is 4), and I can't breathe".  I was cracking up, he did help relax me!!  
    He also used to get the twitches, mostly all over his body.  I remember him being really worried about ALS.  I felt better when I learned that with ALS, and also Parkinson's, the weakeness usually comes first, but now I wonder if I've already had the weakness.  I'm thinking now I have that also.  My knees like almost went out a couple months ago, and I remember wondering why they would both go out at once.  Is that weakness?  I chalked that up to being out of shape and getting older.  I don't have any trouble climbing up stairs or walking all over.  
    Have you guys tried the Chiropractic route?  I went today, I think I told you, and he did a manipulation on my back.  Not my favorite thing, for sure.  I also read where those can be dangerous, but it's like one in a million or something that has a problem with it.  
     That is a good point about the doctor noticing that I had already been to the other guy, but I didn't think he even noticed that, at least he didn't mention it.  I am such a spaz.  
    Ok, well thanks for the laughs, and for letting me go on and on about my symptoms.  I know what you mean about your sister freaking out, I think I would be the only person that figures that it's bad news that my blood tests came out ok!  You know what I mean, eliminating the more benign things, blah blah blah.  Ok, well talk to you later, my husband is screaming for his computer!  Thanks, Val

[valger59]

Hi~~and thanks for the post!  It makes me feel better what you said about the doctor, I also thought he was being kind of an alarmist.  I thought he would tell me that they can be brought on by anxiety, but he looked at me kind of perplexed, and said that twitching is unusual and gets their attention.  I had made an appointment with another doctor in the same office as him first, because the normal guy I see (the one that said the big 3)..wasn't available.  This other guy was a Internal Medicine doctor (not sure of the difference)...and he is the one that kind of did the opposite.  He gave me some finger tests for strength and coordination, and said that he didn't think I needed to worry about anything such as ALS or Parkinson's or MS.  He said it was probably from carrying the heavy bags, and sort of left it at that.  I kept my appointment with the other guy, cause I had already made it, and by the time Monday rolled around, I was still twitching, so I went in, thinking I would get more reassurance.  When I saw him, he only listened to my heart, and didn't do any tests for muscle weakness.  I don't know what he was thinking, though, maybe he did see something that gave him a weird feeling about it or something, you never know.  My husband says that if you go to enough doctors, you will find one that makes you nervous, and sends you off to a specialist.  He did a blood panel on me, which I just found out came out normal.  I had already said in my other post, that I guess that can be good and bad news, since I was hoping the cause of the twitches would be something benign, such as thyroid, or blood sugar problems.  Now, I guess we are onto the more serious things.  Unless it just is anxiety, but that is so hard for me to believe, because I will be totally relaxed watching tv or something, and get one going up my thigh, or sometimes be woken up from sleep, and how much more relaxed can you be than when you are sleeping?  
     Generally, I really know what you mean, though, about symptoms getting worse when you think about them.  I've always been very tuned in to each and every symptom I get, and then I go down a long road of tests, etc.  This dosen't feel much different than alot of other times, except for the fact that I am actually having the symptoms.  I still find it hard to believe that my mind can do that.  
    Anyway, I will let you know how the neuro goes, but that is not until April 9th.  A lot of waiting and worrying until then!  Thanks again!  Val

[kidcoconut]

I don't know if your regular doc. knew you went to a doctor prior, but maybe he felt that if the first doctor saying it was nothing to worry about didn't prevent you from coming back with the same ailment, that he should send you to get checked either so you don't keep coming back with the same symptom or just to cover their backsides. I hate to say this Val, as you already have one husband!, but you sound a bit like my sister with regards to doctors. Me and her a both hypochondriacs, but the difference is that I only go to doctors if I'm bleeding from the ears ( both of them ), she'll go every time she gets a hiccup. But she is never satisfied with what the doctor tells her "isn't" wrong. So she keeps calling and going back until the doctor finally takes all the blood work, etc. , which freaks her out, but he knows it's the only way either of them is going to get any peace ! ( it always comes back negative by the way ) Me on the other hand, if your doctor checked out me, ( and we have very similar if not identical symptoms ), I'd SPRINT out of the office never to return again, happy as a preverbial camper ! Me thinks thoust protest too much ! The doctor who did the strength test said don't worry about it, why are you going back to another doctor and now a neurologist. I would stop worrying about it. Look at it this way, the odds are heavilly heavilly heavilly in your favor that it's nothing. Especially since the doctor, who doesn't want to be sued, said it was nothing. AND, if God forbid it is something, there's really nothing they can do about it anyway. It's like when we purchased our Collie dog . There was a thing called Collie Eye that some collies just have. The vet can do a test for $200 to see if he has it. He was a puppy, we had him several months, there was no reason to believe he had it, and if he did their was no cure. So why test for it ? (The Collie's fine by the way, and I spent the $200 on dog biscuits ) I guess since you're worried you should just go to the neuro and find out that you're fine. But your husband's right, if they keep doing tests and bloodwork something will be a little off at some point. Then you're going to be nervous about that and have to get more tests, and even if they don't find anything you'll think they missed something ! Now I'm not talking down to you, because no one is a bigger hypochondriac than me. ( except my sister ), but next time the doctor says "all clear" , sprint for the door !!!!

Good luck Please let us know how you made out. I'd really like to know what tests he does. ( strength , especially any I can do myself.... I talk a good game but I'm still nervous about it all myself ! )

[skyhag]

You guys are really cracking me up.  It is obvious that none of us are on our death beds if we're having this much fun on a health chat forum!!!  My husband has made mention (in fun, I think) that a lobatomy (sp?) would be a good place for me to start.  He's really a funny man, that guy!  All jokes aside, I'm not making light of any of the symptoms being described here.  I think there is reason for mild concern, but I'm with kidcoconut...Let's hang on to the positives and see if they symptoms aren't better soon.  

[kidcoconut]

Hi, I'm going to paste this post from a neuro from this forum that if you havne't found already may help ease your mind a bit. Hope it works !

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/neuro/messages/33944.html

I think if your appointment with the neuro is still a ways off you should seek another opinion from a "regular" doctor. I find it outrageous that your doctor would mention the BIg 3 to a patient whose whole reason for twitching may well be anxiety to begin with. I doubt most doctors on this forum would suggest that because you are 47 that twitching without weakness is so "concerning". Sounds like he/she is covering their backside. Either way there was no bedside manner. I'd see another doctor. Did you doctor do any strength tests that lead him to believe their may be muscle weakness? If so, what were they ?

Oh, Kidcoconut was the name of a band in the 80's that did a song called " Stool Pigeon" that we got a kick out of in college. I think I like "Skyhag" better though !

[valger59]

Oh, and I would just like to add one thing.  I am FREAKING OUT for some reason tonight, because I 'googled' ALS symptoms (BIG mistake)...and if you go on the actual ALS boards, were people are writing in that have relatives with the disease, there are several posts saying that twitches were the first symptom.  The one thing that was making me feel better was all the posts on here saying that twitches are rarely the first sign, and that usually there is weakness first.  Anyway, it's scary to know that there are apparantely lots of people who had the twitches first.  I am just so scared of this.  I have a 13 year old daughter, and want to be here for her.  Don't you hate these nights, when the fear gets away from you?  Maybe that dosen't happen to you, but I get so scared sometimes.  Tonight I seem to be twitching everywhere, especially my calves, hands and eye.  Yikes!  Thanks, Val

[kidcoconut]

Hey Val,

I did try the chiropractor when the twitches first started. However my guy seems to do the same manipulations whether I come in for carpal tunnel, shoulder, broken leg or hemmoroids (hemorrhoids) ! So I gave up on that pretty quick. His initial diagnosis was it was coming from my neck. However he didn't examine me, but he does know of my usual symptoms as I've been going to him on and off for many years. I also have a slightly torn rotator cuff, which makes the left shoulder weaker ( painful ) to do several movements. Which also makes me a little leary of going to the Doc. with this because if he does test there will be some weakness, but I know I've had the rotator cuff for a good year. So it may be hard to tell, and I'm not going to a neuro unless I really have signs of weakness, not because a doctor has to cover his behind because it's impossible to tell where the weakness is coming from . I also thing deep breathing might help. I notice sometimes that I breathe very infrequently. I normally only inhale maybe 4 times a minute, and sometimes catch myself that I haven't inhaled in a while ! When I work out and obviously breath a lot more ( when running ) I always feel better after. Hey, maybe if we keep bantoring back and forth on what we have tried and what our symptoms are we can figure this thing out ! Who better to come up with a treatment than those that are dealing with it and thinking about it all day ! Unless a doctor has had it they can only guess what might help, we are in the only position to actually try things and feel if they worked or not.

Pulitzer Prize for medicine goes to.......Kidcocnut and Val ! ....Cool .

[hosannajesus]

Hi valger59,
Have you looked into dystonia as a possible reason for your muscle pain and twitching?  I have had burning and tight upper back and neck muscles for three years now and am waiting on an appointment with a movement specialist to see if i have cervical dystonia.  A good website to start researching is

http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/.

Good luck with your pain.  I know you will find help soon.

[valger59]

Hi!
   Thanks for the great letter, you are so funny!  Yes, I will accept that Pulitzer. You really do remind me of my brother.  I just spoke to him today on the phone, and he was telling me of his past symptoms, to make me feel better.  He says that he would think that there was a truck going by or something, and realized it was just him shaking.  Also, he said that he would take off his shoes and socks and you could see the muscles twitching.  I had that today, where I put my left hand down on my leg, and you could see the muscle twitch right by the thumb.  You know, if it wasn't for us being afraid of things like ALS or all of the other horrible things, then the twitching wouldn't be that bad.  It's not painful or anything, and sort of a weird feeling.  
    I know what you mean about the blood work.  I called today, God knows why, I guess to see if maybe the doctor would say something like, "Hey you're fine, don't worry about going to the neurologist"!!  But, I had gotten my results online, and wanted to make sure, after the results, that he truly did intend for me to go, and so the nurse said she would ask, and when she came back, she said that ESPECIALLY since my tests came back ok, that if I still had symptoms, that I should definitely go to the neuro.  Which, of course, founded my fears that we did in fact elimate two more benign things that can cause twitching!  I HATE waiting for doctor appointments!  It's like my symptoms consume my every thought, and time goes so slow until the appointment.  
     It also reminds me of that movie with Woody Allen, I think it might be called Hannah and her sisters, where he is a total hypochondriac, and he is sitting in the doctors office waiting for his results, and in the meantime he is daydreaming about what the doctor will say when he walks in, and he is imagining the doctor saying "I'm very sorry, but, due to the position of the tumor, it is inoperable".....and right then, the timing is great, the doctor actually walks in and says "you're fine"....and Woody Allen is happy for a few minutes until he starts worrying about something else again.  He's so funny.  
     What, by the way, is foot drop, could you explain that to me?  Maybe I don't want to know, or I will get it.  As I think I mentioned before, I am now having areas of perceived weakness, like sometimes when I get up, my legs will feel heavy.  Also, now I kind of try to put two and two together in my head, and think back a month or so ago, when both my knees were sore and stiff at the same time.  Don't you think that's weird?  Would that be considered weakness, or does that sound more just like a knee thing?  Weakness would be like where you can't pick something up, or walk up the stairs, right?  My knees would hurt, but I could walk.  
     See, you drink coffee and diet soda.  Those things can TOTALLY cause twitching!!  I remember my brother saying he would use the process of elimation to help with the twitches and his diet, and he had to do away with Starbucks!!  At least you have reasons why you might have the twitching.  I really don't have any bad habits.  I drink alot of water, have a Jamba Juice almost every day, NEVER drink soda or coffee, etc.  I sort of like doing and eating healthy stuff, so I certainly can't attribute it to that.  
     Also, you should really up your water intake and see how much that helps!  Omg~~I couldn't get through a day without lots of water.  I like to buy the liter size of FIJI, it's the BEST water, and drink a couple of those a day.  
     So, when you were going to the Chiropractor, did he say that the twitches are a common symptom?  I worry because I don't really know if they are.  I still just can't imagine what is causing them with me.  As I said before, it's hard to imagine I could create widespread twitching in my mind.  I'm just so sick of not being able to sleep.  I do the same thing you do, where I wake up all night long.  At my Mom's advice, I bought some Sleepytime tea with Valerian in it, so I'll see maybe tonight if that knocks me out.  For sure getting a good nights sleep seems to help.  
    I've had heart palpitations for years, and that was a long road of going back and forth to doctors, and being terrified that I was going to die all the time.  Finally, I am at a place with that, where I just live with them, and they don't bother me now.  I don't take medication for them, I just am used to them.  It's amazing how your body adapts, because when I would first get them, my whole body would jump, and now I don't even notice it.  Hopefully, if I find out these twitches are benign, I can live with them like that.  Aren't you surprised sometimes what a big deal twitching is?  I thought it would be no big deal, and then these forums make me realize how anxiety provoking it is for people.  I guess because we are talking about things like ALS.  
    Now that those minor things in my blood test have been eliminated as the cause, are we left only with the major things, or are there alot of things that can cause the twitching (if you know)??  
     I have to keep remembering that my brother, for one example, had these for a long time, and still gets them, with no explanation.  He is also very healthy, he runs, works out, and generally lives a healthy life.  
    I just had a twitch around my eye, and I read where that is nothing to worry about.  So, why would I be having that?  I wonder if that means the rest of them might be benign also.  Yikes~~it's a VERY long wait until my neuro appointment!!  Anyway, thanks so much for the help, it's like here is where I'm getting my only reassurance right now, other than my brother.  Talk to you soon!  Val

[kidcoconut]

Hey Val,

You're not alone on the blood work by the way. I don't remember if I posted this but I was certain my twitches were coming from Lyme's disease. So I went and had the blood work done. I was dissapointed when they came back negative ! I remember a skit on I believe SNL a long time ago when AIDS first came on the scene. The character came out of the clinic jumping with excitement that he tested positive for The Clap ! So I know how you feel. I've also felt like my left leg, especially my left calf is a little odd feeling the last few weeks. ( If I didn't read that foot drop was a symptom I wouldn't be concerned I'm sure ) However I know it's not weakness, and that the joint in my knee sometimes flares up, but I still feel like I might be walking funny. I'm not overly stressed because I know in my mind it's not weak, but I've been runnning a mile on tread mill every week or so to make sure it's not weak. ( I always feel weak on the treadmill until I get to about a 1/2 mile then I'm fine. It's crazy ! )

I'm trying different techniques constantly to see if anything helps. It's starting to warm up here so I'm getting some sun when I can to see if the warmth might help. I have a theory that maybe sweating might help as well. ( get the toxins out. ) I don't sweat much, even when working out. I also think it might be dehydration, so I'm trying to drink more water. ( which I never do.) I do drink a ton of coffee and diet soda, so I'm trying to cut back on that now. I've also been taking Melatonin at bedtime to try and sleep better. I have a real problem with waking at night several times. ( not due to twitching, just always do. ) I got a good nights sleep last night and so far today no twitching. ( which is extremely rare for me the last few weeks. ) I also think in my case it's a muslce tightness problem in my neck shoulder area. So I'm going to work on these Yoga c.d.'s I've got a bit more. I think the MAIN thing for me is to stay off the computer, which is hard because I need to be on a certain amount each day. But I think the twitches are coming from that more than anything. As I always get the shoulder problems and the carpal tunnel when I've been typing an excessive amount for days on the computer. The thing with "laying out" in the sun, I was surprised that I didn't twitch at all the other day when I was doing that. It was a bit windy, so it masks the feeling, so I don't know. But hey, the sun does cause the body to make Vitamin D and can make you sweat out toxins. Worth a shot.

Gotta go, take care,

[kidcoconut]

If you haven't checked it out already look up Benign Fasiculation Syndrome online. I would venture to say everyone on this forum has it. Foot drop I'm not sure of, but I believe you can't raise you foot up, like if you were to pull your toes/foot up, as in walking on your heels. I also believe that in rare cases when the twtiching starts first, there was weakness already, and the weakness and twitching are supposed to be in one spot, not all over. ( one leg for example.) The disease progressses out from there. It usually starts in the far extremities I believe also, like a hand or foot. I think since we have them all over it's a good thing. Keep in mind a headache is also the predominant sign of a brain tumor, but 99.99999999% of the time it's just a headache ! Gotta twitch on off to work Take care

[valger59]

Hi~~and thanks.  Yea, I was wondering about the twitches being more widespread.........when I had gone to the second doctor (my usual guy)..he said that he wouldn't worry as much if it was just the thumb, but since I was having them all over, it's something more to worry about.  Everything I have read online since then says the opposite.  I mostly still just have them in my hands, feet, but I do get them in my thighs and elsewhere, even my face (eye area and lips).  Where do you mostly get them did you say?  I was feeling good today, cleaning out my yard and working hard, and then my left hand started acting up after I was done.  Do you ever notice that, where they will act up after some type of activity?  I think when something does consume your thoughts, it can happen.  I need to accept the fact that my mind can be very powerful.  I still can't believe it, so I tend to think the worst case scenario.  Well, I'm glad this week is finally over, now I just have to get through next week, and my appointment is that next Monday!  I am hoping to get reassured, but that dosen't always happen.  He might send me in for a few tests, which would take more time.  I'm trying so hard not to dwell on it in my day to day life.  I went to my Chiropractor today, but I'm not sure he really thinks the twitching is coming from my back or what.  He says I have pinched nerves, but these symptoms are so new for me.  
     Well, thanks again for all of the help.  I hope you're feeling good~~Val

[rohit_786]

Could it be b12 deficiency . Check your B12 level if it is low normal make sure your doctor check MMA and Homocystiene level before start b12 supplement or injection . Injection is better . Check this link that tells how b12 is misdiagnosed.

http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/showthread.php?t=9948

[valger59]

Thanks so much for that information!  I think at this point, I am happy for it to be anything but ALS!  I just posted a new subject about my eyelid twitiching also.  I felt a little better about that because I had read where eyelid twitching is not indicitive of ALS because ALS dosen't involve those groups of muscles, and so the fact that my eyelid is also twitching might mean that this is hopefully a benign disorder, maybe anxiety over the initial thumb twitching thing.  I just still find it hard to believe that my mind could be doing all of this.  But, I will check out that link, thank you!  I've been taking a Centrum vitamin since this started, also a Magnesium supplement of 250 mg. per day, but it hasn't helped yet.  Thanks again!  Val

[Jessalee]

I too have these strange muscle twitches.  I am a 29 year old, very fit female.  It seems that they started after I bumped up my weight routine.  I lift for 50mins, three times a week, and I run for 40mins five times a week.  The thing is I really don't eat very well, and I wasn't really taking any supplements.  In addition to that I had my gallbladder out a year ago, and have diareah 4-5X a week,   So I am sure this is some sort of deficiency.  But I am still scared to death about ALS.  Trying hard not to look it up.  But it seems like the twitches go away when I am walking or moving, and get worse when I sit at my desk.  I don't want to go to the doctor to have her laugh at me.
Jess

[kidcoconut]

Hey Jess,

You must be in great shape with all that exercise. I work out almost every day, but very little cardio. I've got to get into that more. ( I hate it ! ) I've been twitching for almost 4 months. It got better but now it's worse. All over, mainly the arms though. Usually a bit worse after I workout, or the next day.

On the diarreah (diarrhea). ( I can never spell that right ! ) Try enzymes. About a year ago I suddenly got a bad case. ( explosvie ) I took some ammodium AD and it stopped for a day, then came back. I had it EVERY DAY for 5 weeks. I was sure I had something serious. I tried everything, but didn't do the Ammodium any more because I know that not a cure, but relieves symptoms. Anyway, at my witts end I went yet again to the Vitaminn Shoppe and bought a product called Ultra Zyme by Natures Way. ( available in almost all vitamin shops.) I took two before bed and the next morning had my first completely normal bowel movement. You would have no indication that I had a problem. I've been taking them ever since. ( like one a day, or more if I do get a loose movement or gas etc. ) I am SURE it is what worked. It would be too coincidental for it to just clear up within 12 hours of taking them after 5 consecutive weeks of it .

Also, I ran out about 3 days ago, and since then my twitching has gotten real bad the last two days. I don't know if there's a corilation ( spelling again ! ) , but when I go and get more today I'm going to take 4 per day for a while. ( 2 in the am and 2 at night ) and see if that helps the twitching. Try it, if it's going to work for you it should work almost immediately. They are enzymes your body naturally produces ...protese,amalytese, etc. they break down various foods. One helps with sugars, one with fats, one with protein. etc. According to everything I read that even if your body is making enough it will help you digest your food and your body will roll back it's production of them so the benefit is your body doesn't have to work as hard. Good luck !

[harley123]

I'm writing to address your symptoms and offer a possible answer.  For the past year I've had twitching in my left calf and it progressed to both calves, then a few twitches here & there on my body and then a few twitches on my face, cheek and mouth area.  This fall I started aching in my thighs, other large muscle groups, and having muscle fatigue.  I was quite concerned as my father died of ALS.  I talked to my med. dr. about it and he scheduled me for MRI.  However, ALS is difficult to diagnose so I'm not relying at all on MRI results.  IN THE MEANTIME, I visited my Nathuropathic "dr.".  She specifically tested my nervous system.  My myelin sheath tested strong.  (The myelin sheath covers the nerves.  In ALS patients, the myelin sheath dies.)  My neurotransmiters tested strong.  However, my MODULAR-TRANSMITTER (it's a substance which the transports the neurotransmitters) was shorting out which would cause twitches which causes muscle fatigue which causes aching which causes a lot of worrying!  She told me to take 2 tsp. of Nature's Sunshine flax seed oil daily.  I bought a bottle of Barleans (high quality store flax seed oil), but had to take 3 tbsp. of it.  By the second day the twitches diminished by approx. 60%.  I was amazed after having coped with these symptoms for over a year.  I then ordered Nature's Sunshine flax seed oil and began taking 2 tsp. daily.  The twitches have decreased by approx. This fall I started aching in my thighs, other large muscle groups, and having muscle fatigue.  I was quite concerned as my father died of ALS.  I talked to my med. dr. about it and he scheduled me for MRI.  However, ALS is difficult to diagnose so I'm not relying at all on MRI results.  IN THE MEANTIME, I visited my Nathuropathic "dr.".  She specifically tested my nervous system.  My myelin sheath tested strong.  (The myelin sheath covers the nerves.  In ALS patients, the myelin sheath dies.)  My neurotransmiters tested strong.  However, my MODULAR-TRANSMITTER (it's a substance which the transports the neurotransmitters) was shorting out which would cause twitches which causes muscle fatigue which causes aching which causes a lot of worrying!  She told me to take 2 tsp. of Nature's Sunshine flax seed oil daily.  I bought a bottle of Barleans (high quality store flax seed oil), but had to take 3 tbsp. of it.  By the second day the twitches diminished by approx. 60%.  I was amazed after having coped with these symptoms for over a year.  I then ordered Nature's Sunshine flax seed oil and began taking 2 tsp. daily.  The twitches have decreased by approx. 98% and the aching in my muscles is improving significantly and I feel stronger.  I'm not saying this remedy will fix your symptoms, but it might be worth a try.  My suggestion is for you to find a good Naturopath ask to have your nervous system muscle tested.  My neuropath had to get quite specific (in fact, when my neuromodulator tested weak, she didn't even know what the neuromodulator is) with the muscle testing to find out what was going on in my case.  Feel free to write back if you want further info.

[suresh385]

hello sir
foir the past one month my mother who is 73 years old has been experiencing hip pain she iwas on treatment with ace proxivon capsules twice a day and one tablet of crocin pain she got better and three days back i had taken her to my sisters place in Chennai from Bangalore in train she walked in the platform and had no pain that night after reaching Chennai to home she is  having pain again in the hip some times in thigh region  then the doctor asked to take thiioact 4m along with the existing medications for three day after three days she stopped the muscle relaxant she got pain in the calf muscle area again when she took one tablet the pain in the calf muscle area came down but she has pain agian in the thighs and pain  in the hip is better please suggest suitable medications for her seeing her age  when i ask the doctor again he tells to take neugabam75mg once a day at night
i do not know what she is having the doctor says different medication every time approached please suggest
previously tow years back she had left breast cancer operation now  is fine cured from it  she was on letrazole 2.5 mg for two years once a day the doctor says be cos of that this problem after that she ahd some hallucination problems and treated with respidon 1mg for time and she got well to that problem too
seeing all this details kindly suggest suitable medications or suggestions for her
regards suresh
my email ***@****