Whole Body Spasms

Hi. For over a year (maybe two--I've lost count), I have been having spasms while I am sleeping. They used to be minor--a leg jerk here, an arm flail there. But they got to the point where at least once every night my entire body will spasm, to the point where my body actually flies into the air an inch or two above the bed. This can happen either when I am drifting off to sleep or in the middle of deep sleep. I have even quite innocently and only slightly injured my husband a couple of times during these "seizures." I know this must be common--but it is very unusual to me. So, if you know what is going on or what I should do to stop it, I would be grateful for the advice.

Several years ago (it might be relevant), I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. My medications are changed around every quarter of the year, it seems (occasionally more often). Right now, I am on Ventolin (only when needed), Fentanyl, Lexapro, Lybrel, and Topamax, if that helps.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Although without being able to examine you I can not offer you the specific advice on diagnosis and treatment that you need, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about your health concern.

This muscle spasm is also called muscle fasciculation & appears when the muscle contracts on its own (without nerve stimulation).  Most of the times these symptoms occur without any underlying disorder & they are not harmful or may appear after viral illness or long term illness. But sometimes this muscle twitching appears consistently with anxiety or sleep disorder. Since you are suffering from continuous spasm, please arrange an appointment with a neurologist right away who will evaluate the possibilities here. Hope this information proves helpful to you. Take Care & Regards!!!