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muscle fasiculations
I am an RN whose husband is recently experiencing muscle fasiculations in all of his extremities. These range from very slight to extremely noticeable rippling movements. They started in one of his calves after playing tennis in 90 degree heat, but have started to spread to other ares, including both lower legs, both arms and occasionally under his arms on his trunk. He also has some "prickling" and itching sensations in these areas at times. He feels that his stomach muscles feel weak, and sometimes feels he cannot catch his breath, although he is not short of breath. He also feels some slight weakness in his coordination. Also, for the past 5 years or so, he can become quite bradycardic and symptomatic. EP studies, stress tests were all WNL. However, his holter monitor showed 24,000 PVC's in a 24 hour period. (I don't know if this could be a related syumptom) He is scheduled to have an EMG, however, we are EXTREMELY worried. Of course, we are concerned about ALS. He was unable to see his own doctor, and the physician he saw didn't seem to listen to him. I realize that we have to wait for the results, but we would appreciate any input from you regarding testing, next steps, etc. By the way, my husband is currently in PA school, and is very stressed. Could these symptoms be a manifestation of that stress? Although he may tend to disagree, I feel that he bottles up his feelings of stress. We would truly appreciate any input or info you can provide. Thank you!
A related discussion, Involuntary Muscle Spasms, Hypersensitivity,Extreme Cramps was started.
Like you I have lost my job through ill health and not having a diagnosis, then I lost my home after not being able to continue working 10 hours daily shifts. I wish the medical profession would wake up that most people need to know, even if it is bad news, so that they can put their house in order, plan for the future they have left and go forward in whatever direction they chose within their reality. Waiting so long for tests and diagnosis just stimulats anxiety and frustration, adds to the stress of life and stress makes every illness worse. Instead of telling people they are a pair of curtains that need pulling together, they need to be realistic. tell the truth, but not put everything down to anxiety, stress or psycological problems, that's the easy way out - for them! Not for us!
have had Fasiculations for 10 years now. Started when I was 26.
I has other symptoms too, a degree of weakness among them. I sought out help and a number of doctors (3 neurologists incld) and all they could tell me was I had an anxiety problem. Well, no kidding!!. Everything I've read says this points to ALS. The worst disease (in my mind) known to man. I was never able to even get a doctor to acknowledge I was having Fasics. Since I knew for a fact they were wrong on this point, I felt they could be wrong on the Non Als diagnosis. I went through 2 1/2 years of hell. Everybody thought I was Crazy. My Family Doctor even wanted me to see a Pyschiatrist. I was convinced I had ALS and nobody could tell me different. I felt it was just a matter of time and the weakness would hit heavy and the EMG would start picking it up. I ended up losing everthing in my life. My Wife, Job, House, everthing. After 3 years passed and the weakness had not progressed I felt it was some strange variant of an MND, and it wasn't happening fast. I went back to work and rebuilt my life. Today I still am a little weak and the Fasics are as strong as ever. But all my concern over ALS is long gone. I have only recently come across the Term "Benign Fasiculation syndrome". It really pisses me off because if even one of those doctors had given me any credibilty and even mentioned BFS, I could have avoided so much loss. Anyway sorry for the long story, but I wanted to tell anyone who may have concerns about Fasiculations and even some weakness, that ALS isn't a forgone conclusion.
I has other symptoms too, a degree of weakness among them. I sought out help and a number of doctors (3 neurologists incld) and all they could tell me was I had an anxiety problem. Well, no kidding!!. Everything I've read says this points to ALS. The worst disease (in my mind) known to man. I was never able to even get a doctor to acknowledge I was having Fasics. Since I knew for a fact they were wrong on this point, I felt they could be wrong on the Non Als diagnosis. I went through 2 1/2 years of hell. Everybody thought I was Crazy. My Family Doctor even wanted me to see a Pyschiatrist. I was convinced I had ALS and nobody could tell me different. I felt it was just a matter of time and the weakness would hit heavy and the EMG would start picking it up. I ended up losing everthing in my life. My Wife, Job, House, everthing. After 3 years passed and the weakness had not progressed I felt it was some strange variant of an MND, and it wasn't happening fast. I went back to work and rebuilt my life. Today I still am a little weak and the Fasics are as strong as ever. But all my concern over ALS is long gone. I have only recently come across the Term "Benign Fasiculation syndrome". It really pisses me off because if even one of those doctors had given me any credibilty and even mentioned BFS, I could have avoided so much loss. Anyway sorry for the long story, but I wanted to tell anyone who may have concerns about Fasiculations and even some weakness, that ALS isn't a forgone conclusion.
I have had Fasiculations for 10 years now. Started when I was 26.
I has other symptoms too, a degree of weakness among them. I sought out help and a number of doctors (3 neurologists incld) and all they could tell me was I had an anxiety problem. Well, no kidding!!. Everything I've read says this points to ALS. The worst disease (in my mind) known to man. I was never able to even get a doctor to acknowledge I was having Fasics. Since I knew for a fact they were wrong on this point, I felt they could be wrong on the Non Als diagnosis. I went through 2 1/2 years of hell. Everybody thought I was Crazy. My Family Doctor even wanted me to see a Pyschiatrist. I was convinced I had ALS and nobody could tell me different. I felt it was just a matter of time and the weakness would hit heavy and the EMG would start picking it up. I ended up losing everthing in my life. My Wife, Job, House, everthing. After 3 years passed and the weakness had not progressed I felt it was some strange variant of an MND, and it wasn't happening fast. I went back to work and rebuilt my life. Today I still am a little weak and the Fasics are as strong as ever. But all my concern over ALS is long gone. I have only recently come across the Term "Benign Fasiculation syndrome". It really pisses me off because if even one of those doctors had given me any credibilty and even mentioned BFS, I could have avoided so much loss. Anyway sorry for the long story, but I wanted to tell anyone who may have concerns about Fasiculations and even some weakness, that ALS isn't a forgone conclusion.
I has other symptoms too, a degree of weakness among them. I sought out help and a number of doctors (3 neurologists incld) and all they could tell me was I had an anxiety problem. Well, no kidding!!. Everything I've read says this points to ALS. The worst disease (in my mind) known to man. I was never able to even get a doctor to acknowledge I was having Fasics. Since I knew for a fact they were wrong on this point, I felt they could be wrong on the Non Als diagnosis. I went through 2 1/2 years of hell. Everybody thought I was Crazy. My Family Doctor even wanted me to see a Pyschiatrist. I was convinced I had ALS and nobody could tell me different. I felt it was just a matter of time and the weakness would hit heavy and the EMG would start picking it up. I ended up losing everthing in my life. My Wife, Job, House, everthing. After 3 years passed and the weakness had not progressed I felt it was some strange variant of an MND, and it wasn't happening fast. I went back to work and rebuilt my life. Today I still am a little weak and the Fasics are as strong as ever. But all my concern over ALS is long gone. I have only recently come across the Term "Benign Fasiculation syndrome". It really pisses me off because if even one of those doctors had given me any credibilty and even mentioned BFS, I could have avoided so much loss. Anyway sorry for the long story, but I wanted to tell anyone who may have concerns about Fasiculations and even some weakness, that ALS isn't a forgone conclusion.
Hi NeedsMercy,
I have found that taking Vitamin E, The B-vitamins, Flaxseed oil vitamin, Calcium - magnesium and zinc all in one, and a multi-vitamin have helped me. I recently had neurological problems including twitching after my daughter was born. These seemed to really help. They are supposed to help nerve problems and promote healthy nerves. As for the HIV symptoms, have u ever been tested for HIV? If not, and you suspect you may have it....go get checked. But not all nerve problems come from HIV.
I have found that taking Vitamin E, The B-vitamins, Flaxseed oil vitamin, Calcium - magnesium and zinc all in one, and a multi-vitamin have helped me. I recently had neurological problems including twitching after my daughter was born. These seemed to really help. They are supposed to help nerve problems and promote healthy nerves. As for the HIV symptoms, have u ever been tested for HIV? If not, and you suspect you may have it....go get checked. But not all nerve problems come from HIV.
i have been experiencing constant involuntary muscle fasiculations / twitches / paroxysms / shocks all over omy body (not just in one area, but mostly in my thighs, feet, arms, hands, chest, and even face) for the past 2 weeks now....my whole body has felt vacant and numb as well as if my sense of touch has been deadened....i am terrified that i may be going through acute HIV syndrome...no one can tell me definitively but i have read that "peripheral neuropathy" can be associated with acute HIV....can someone please help me...i am so depressed here....the worst part is that these symptoms, along with others like a rash, night sweats, fatigue...i am hoping there is some other explanation!? my doctor said anxiety or adrenaline can cause involuntary muscle pulsations, but i don't think it could be this persistent and be happening all the time unless there was something physically wrong with me
i have been experiencing constant involuntary muscle fasiculations / twitches / paroxysms / shocks all over omy body (not just in one area, but mostly in my thighs, feet, arms, hands, chest, and even face) for the past 2 weeks now....my whole body has felt vacant and numb as well as if my sense of touch has been deadened....i am terrified that i may be going through acute HIV syndrome...no one can tell me definitively but i have read that "peripheral neuropathy" can be associated with acute HIV....can someone please help me...i am so depressed here....the worst part is that these symptoms, along with others like a rash, night sweats, fatigue...i am hoping there is some other explanation!? my doctor said anxiety or adrenaline can cause involuntary muscle pulsations, but i don't think it could be this persistent and be happening all the time unless there was something physically wrong with me
Many people twitch and it is usually benign. I invite you to join other twitchers at the MGH neurology web forums (just put MGH forums into your browser) and go the topic NEUROMUSCULAR. You will have to register a posting name and password first. You will find many people with the same problems, fears and much friendship and good advice. You may also want to check out http://www.nextination.com/aboutbfs/
I've had two MRI's (only some unidentified white matter that they were not concerned about), an EMG and have seen three different Neuro Doctors. I'm done with doctors & worrying unless some severe/serious symptoms come up. I even went to a foot doctor because it looks like a bag of worms in the arches of my feet. He was clueless but did give me some good advise that I adhere to. He said I could spend my days worrying about these twitches, numbness, tinglings, etc. when in reality I could be maimed or die any second from millions of things. He said ENJOY EACH DAY & just play the cards I'm dealt the best I can.
1 case (24oz. per 1 week) OI week I HELP! I need help, am going backwards, cause I can't rea;l.. Help, I have small fry help, no help , help....................
just something to think about , i was told that for people who work out a lot, drinkink tonic water with -quinine may help the twitches.
i for one am going to try...
good luck
i for one am going to try...
good luck
Thank you JSK, it makes me feel better to know other people are out there having the same kind of symptoms. Did you have all the various tests etc etc? What was the outcome?
I've had all those same symptoms for almost three years now. One thing I'm noticing is that usually they start with either intense exercise, extreme stress (that's my case) and/or a virus. Just kind of throwing that out there.
I too have been experiencing exactly what your husband has been describing. It started after I went on a 15 mile bike ride, and began in my feet. I now have muscle twitches all over my body and a feeling of weakness in arms and legs(which I notice more because I am an in shape 25 yr old female). Coordonation is a little off but nothing noticeable. It is very strange, I have been to two PCP's as well as a neurologist and all have diagnosed me with general anxiety disorder. I too am not a outwardly stressed individual but really looking back on the last few months I have beem over working and over playing. I was given a prescription for an anti depressant and to come back in 6 weeks. If nothing had improved I was told there would be more tests conducted. I do trust the neurologist who said there was really nothing to worry about as the exam was very normal, but I am still concerned. Anyway, please let me know how the tests turn out. I hope he is feeling better.
Although I have not personally examined your husband or reviewed his history in detail, it sounds more like benign fasciculation syndrome which is exacerbated by stress and exercise rather than ALS. Typically, by the time ALS patients have widespread fascics, they generally have very severe wasting and weakness of their muscles. Of course nothing in medicine or life for that matter is 100%, but that's the general thought. In one report from the medical literature, there was a man who had been exposed to poison and had many PVC's in association with fascics, but this is likely related to the systemic effects of the poison. Otherwise I did not find anything relating the two together. The EMG should be extremely helpful. Best of luck.
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