Myoclonus

Hi Doctor's,

In April I was diagnosed with myoclonus. Last December I had three problems pop up. 1- fasciculations, cramping, and spasms. 2- asthma from allergies. 3- low iron. The asthma and allergies are treated with Azmacort, Servent, Provental, a nebulzer, pregnisone when needed, and Clariton-D. In July I was given an IV of iron because the iron was not being absobed after 5 months of iron pills. While giving me the sample of iron first I had to be given demoral inorder to continue the procedure because I had jagged pains going down my spine. My rheumatoid arthritis came back, so I'm taking Celebrex. The neurologist did an EMG, EEG, MRI of the thoraic and lumbar, Lyme's test, and other various blood work which all were normal. So I take Clonazapam, tegretol, and baclofin which has reduced the magnitude of the symtoms (symptoms) but not gotten rid of them. The fasciculations get worse at rest, but occur all day and night. It affects every muscle in my body. My muscles are painful to the touch. I bruise very easy and they last a few weeks. I have trouble with depth perception, which the eye doctor said is good. I also have trouble with balance and dizziness. During my last asthma attack while on pregnisone I had a migraine and throbbing on the inside of my spine. I work as a maintenance electrician in a forge shop, which requires lots of climbing, power tools, and sometimes heavy jobs. Sometimes my body is so tired and tight I can hardly climb the stairs to change clothes after work. I have missed alot of work. I also take Celexa for mild depression. After searching your sight I have a few questions. 1- My doctor and insurance company have never heard of a movement disorder specialest. Is there one near Milwaukee, WI? 2- Can this muscle/nerve problem lead into Cardiomyopthy, which is just about a given in my family? 3- It seems like my nerves are so hyper can tests determine if that is a problem? 4- Should I be seeing someone else? My regular doctor is stumped and said so, but he won't overrule the neurologist. The neurologist just wants to treat it with drugs. Thank you for reading my long message.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Lori:

I find it very suprising that your blood work is normal but you have an iron absorption problem, you should have microcytic anemia.  But besides this, I think I would seek out a movement specialist. Get a referral from your neurologist.  It is good that the myoclonic movements are not correlated with any EEG findings suggesting that it is not central nervous system in origin.  Myoclonic movements can be difficult to control and depending on the etiology, more or less controlled on certain medications.  Bacolfen is not one of the first line medications for myoclonic movements, although in several diseases it has been shown to help.  I would think that there should be a movement disorder neurologist in Chicago which isn't too far from you.  

Now, if the movements are fasciculations and not myoclonic movements then you might be suffering from benign fasciculations.  But without seeing them, I can't tell you which is which.  So, I would see a movement specialist.  Since your EMG is normal, I would favor fasciculations being of the benign type.

Sorry, I'm not much help but since I can't examine you over the internet I am at a disadvantage.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[S. Gerhard]

No idea why either. Been diagnosed with both as distinct entities. Have dizziness too, and a host of other symptoms. My only finding is an arachnoid cyst, small, frontal. EMG abnormal for benign fasciculations. Myoclonus visible to neurologists, and induceable with ankle tapping. History of thyroid cancer and removal, parathyroid removal. Dx with meniere's disease this year. Always wonder, isn't it all somehow connected???

Anyway, you can have both myoclonus and fasciculations, and they are very different. Tranquillizers help mine tremendously, although I am sure they are not stress induced (couldn't be more laid back around here).

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Thanks for your comments.

CCF Neuro MD

[Barb]

Dear Lori and Doctor,

Ok, Chicago has lots of doctors, but why overlook Milwaukee?  Froedtert Hospital/Milw. Medical College is a teaching hospital and has neurologists who specialize in movement disorders as well as all other aspects of neurology.

So, you may find what you need right here in Milwaukee!

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

thanks for your comments.

CCF Neuro MD