speech issues, twitching

I have had widespread twitching for 51 weeks now.  I saw my GP last nov, she did strength tests and blood work, everything was normal.  I've had twitching, buzzing sensations, joints cracking all over my body.  I haven't lost any strenght or noticed any atrophy over the past year, I can play sports with no problem, I've even gained 20 lbs.  The only reason I haven't seen a neurologist is because I'm only 24 and my insurance deductable is high.  Three weeks ago I had a sore throat and messed up on a couple words, this drove me to research and I've been concentrating on my speech since.  I'm really worried about bulbar symptoms, I can move my tongue very fast from side to side, can say tongue twisters, and have no difficulty swallowing.  I've asked everyone if they hear a difference, nobody does.  I don't know if I'm concentrating on my speech to much and anxiety is causing this.  I'm not slurring words, but some words don't sound right to me.  Should I be worried about als?  would I be twitching for 11 months with no other symptoms and then just develop bulbar symptoms out of the blue?  I know you can't offer a diagnosis, but would als present this way? thanks

[cognitivelykaput]

Hi There,

As you appreciate yourself, it's practically impossible to try and diagnose these sort of symptoms over the internet. I've had quite severe muscle twitching now 24/7 for about 10 months, in nigh on every muscle imaginable. I've also had a whole host of neurological complaints as well, going on concurrently with the twitching.

I think as I have so many other symptoms, the twitching has been overlooked when it comes to muscle specific investigations, due to it not really being my main concern, but more just a secondary issue. When I've mentioned it to the various consultants I've seen (including two neurologists),  none have seemed particularly concerned by it. From what I've been able to ascertain myself, there's a multitude of causes behind muscle twitching, ranging from the completely harmless, to being an indicator of something more serious going on.

If it's now starting to cause you some considerable anxiety, which it sounds like it is, especially as you believe you're now experiencing speech difficulties too, I'd get yourself along to a neurologist, just to be checked out, and to put your mind at rest. Your insurance going up sounds a small price to pay for peace of mind.