Cramping, twitching, easily fatigued

[DJ2424]

I am a 58 year old post-menopausal woman. For the past month or so I have had foot cramps, and random twitching (various parts of the body) Not that severe though. Also, have had some buzzing(ringing) in my ears. I am an exerciser and have notcied fatigue when walking fast or running (elevated heart rate fairly quickly) Of course I have been looking at symptoms on the internet and came across ALS, so I have been trying to figure out if I have a weak body part  - I can't seem to see one and do not have slurred speech as of yet. I also saw low potassium casues these things as well, so I started taking potassium and eating more sources of food for it.....BUT  I am so freaked out now, I have not been to the doctor, but am going soon. Can you reassure me some?  Thanks!

[Mark1968]

This is the best overview that I have found on the internet, describing the cause and effect of the symptoms:

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The Cause.
Research based evidence indicates an autoimmune defect in the form of a potassium channelopathy as the likely cause of PNH. The principle responsibility of the immune system is protecting the body from infection. This protection is provided by circulating antibodies in the bloodstream which are designed to attack foreign matter. Studies of patients with PNH have shown that approximately 40% have a problem with the immune system. This causes antibodies to attack or interfere with a part of the nerve known as the potassium channel. The potassium channel along with the sodium channel are two of the chemical mechanisms within the nerve that are involved in the production of nerve cell signals. When functioning normally these two chemicals are in a form of equilibrium. However, the immune fault destabilises this balance, stimulating the nerve cell into transmitting involuntary impulses that results in muscle fiber activity. Associations with other immune disorders further indicate that peripheral nerve hyperexcitability is an autoimmune dysfunction.

The Effect
The primary effect caused by PNH is involuntary muscle fibre activity in the form of muscle twitches(fasciculations), cramp and cramp like feelings. In turn this may lead to muscular aches, pain, soreness and discomfort. Sensory symptoms (paresthesia) such as pins and needles, numbness, tingling and burning sensations might also be present to a more or lesser degree. Secondary to these, sleep disturbance, fatigue and an intolerance to exercise may also be experienced, though these might not become evident until a period of time after the onset of the main symptoms. All these symptoms can vary in terms of severity with good and bad periods lasting days or months. Normally the twitches are always present while the other symptoms can wax and wane.

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[selmaS]

HI, twitching and cramps can also be caused by low levels in vitamins and minerals....also ur thyroid should be checked.

Vitamins to look at B12 and D....calcium, magnessium and potassium for minerals.

Find a good NL or rheumitoid dr, or if u have a good PC start there.


Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"

[Rachel_W]

Random twitching from what I have heard tends to be more benign in nature.  You could have Benign **** Fasciculation Syndrome which is totally benign, but it can cause all sorts of additional symptoms.

I have been twitching now for over four months, and have had cramps in my legs, terrible stiffness in my hands and even speaking issues (feels like stiffness rather than weakness but is interfering with my ability to get from one sound to another).  I was terrified and went to a neurologist who actually specialises in ALS and other neuropathies and he gave me a clinical exam and immediately told me that he was sure that I did not have anything serious but gave me an EMG just in case (which he did), and those results were also clear.

He told me four weeks ago that I have nothing to worry about and as all the symptoms pretty much came on after I started worrying about my health he said that they were due to stress.  

Sometimes the symptoms still scare me but I go to the "about bfs" forum where people are wonderful and very reassuring as most of them have had all the symptoms that I am having at one point or another.  I am not sure if I can add a link, so do a search for about bfs and it will lead you there.  It will help, I promise you.

God Bless

Rachel