tingling and twitches making me crazy

43 year old female.  14 months ago, physical symptoms began, first thing was horrible left arm ache for about a week; the pain would wake me at night, it was so intense.  I still feel like my hand is weak, and since I am left handed, I guess I notice it more. A few days after the arm pain subsided, I started to have tingling in arms/hands and feet, and around mouth, including tongue. This lasted about 2 weeks. Neuro did MRI of brain and Cspine without contrast, said MS was not at all likely, with clear MRI and normal exam.  In January 03, I began to have muscle twitches, pretty much all over my body.  I began to worry that something ominous was going on, so I went to the neuro again.  He did not detect weakness, but he ordered an EMG/NCV test on my left arm and left leg.  According to the neuro who did the EMG, he saw nothing amiss, but he didn't take much time with the test, and I worry about the accuracy of it.  Up until now, I still have the twitches, but I am trying to ignore them.  Now I have developed another weird symptom, and have a neuro visit at the end of Dec. to see about it.  Tingling in a band across my back from spine to right side, about 5 inch band,  mid-back.  Also a weird feeling like something is touching me on my left front rib area. This all started before the MRI last fall, but happens much more now.  Lately, in addition my right foot is tingling on the big toe side of foot.  These tingling things come and go, sometimes several times a day, some days (rarely), I don't notice them at all.  It's all so random, I can't find a pattern to it. Any ideas ?

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Your symptoms are very widspread, and suggest either a systemic disorder or multiple areas involved in the nervous system. However, based upon the MRI's we know that no lesions are present within the central nervous system. Perhaps connective tissue disease (Lupus being the most common), and inflammatory disorders should be evaluated. If you do not receive sufficient information with your next neuro visit, perhaps a second opinion at an academic center would be reasonable. Good luck.

[JayB]

I will be interested to see what advice you get on this board as I too have had muscle twitches & Tingling for some time.  The muscle twitches started about 3 months ago all over my body and I also feel random tingling in small patches.  Sometimes on my arms, my thighs, feet etc.  I also feel an internal tremor/vibration like my body is "electric".  I have seen a neurologist for an initial exam and he found no signs of weakness, atrophy etc.  He seemed to feel that EMG/MRI were not necessary because I showed no signs for neurological disease.  I have since contacted my PCP in hopes to determine what else it could be but get the feeling that she thinks I am crazy and wants to treat me for anxiety. (all blood work, thyroid levels appear normal).  I am not imaging the symptoms and am eager hear what the Dr. has to say on this board.  Good Luck to you!
JayB

[scamelo1]

I have many of your symptoms, including internal shakiness and the electrical or vibrations feeling.  I did have a brain MRI and they did find 2 small lesions.  I am going for a second opinion as one local neuro said not MS.

I also don't know if mine could be anxiety.  Its been going on for months and the fatigue and aches and tingles are driving me crazy.  I want to be my old self again

[Lombard]

Anxiety and stress can manifest itself in a lot of ways; tingling, numbness, diarrhea, chest pain, palpitations, headaches to name a few.

Of course, the more we fixate on an ailment, the more we feel it and the more we feel it, the more we fixate.  It's a vicious circle!

Definitely see your doctor.  There could be some sort of nerve impingement causing you pain but if he/she can't find anything wrong, consider that anxiety might be the source of your problems.   I, too, was told that I was suffering from stress which was bringing on some debilitating symptoms.  When I am calm and/or busy, I don't seem to notice it as much.  Exercise, cutting out caffeine, and meditation also seem to help. (As an fyi, I always seemed to wake up feeling great and symptoms came on as the day went on.  If I became stressed over anything during the day, I could feel the tension creep into my neck.  If I didn't get a grip on it right away, it would escalate to tingling.  Then as I worried about the tingling, I would develop another symptom and start to worry about that.  Like I said, a vicious circle.)

Good luck!

[Lombard]

One other thing....

One of the biggest signs of anxiety is that you feel you are going crazy or you worry that others will think you are going crazy.

Take a look at your life and be honest about the stress you may be enduring.  Are you a constant worrier?  Any major upsets/changes in your life in the last year (death, divorce, marriage, birth of a child, loss of job)?  Are you an obsessive thinker (you get on a thought and can't shake it or you play the "what if" game...what if I have a horrible disease, what if we don't have the money for a new car, what if we get the flu this year)?

Any one of these personality traits can lead to anxiety which can in turn manifest itself in very real physical symptoms.  You aren't imagining the tingling.  It's there but the cause is anxiety not a disease such as MS.

Just wanted to add this because often when people suffer from anxiety they worry about going insane.  Find a way to relax and talk positively to yourself.  And don't be afraid to tell your doctor that you may be dealing with anxiety because of your ailment.  It will help him/her put things in perspective especially if all your test results are normal.

[scamelo1]

In my case, I am not going crazy.  the muscle aches and jitters are real.  tired and weakness are real.  I am  planning on going to the ccf in January for a full physical and perhaps furter tests.  If it ends up being anxiety, at least I know I have ruled out physical symptoms.

[sleepymomof2]

I am going through something similar....I have been having muscle twitching in every different part of my body for about 7 months now.  I've been tested by the family doc to see if I was low on any vitamins or minerals, and it came back normal.  She told me to see a nuerologist, but I've heard many people say they've had an EMG and it comes back normal, and with no insurance I'd hate to rack up another bill if it's not going to help.  I also hear lots of people saying their doc thinks they have anxiety, but my doc said the kind of anxiety and stress that would cause these symptoms is only if you're constantly stressed about work, if you've had a tragedy in the family...going through divorce, etc...If anyone's had any symptoms of flashing lights in their vision, I'd be interested to hear about it.  I've had these flashing lights for longer than I've had the twitching, and no one knows what they are.  I've been to the opthamologist and she said it may be nuerological?  Please let me know.  

[bico]

i have spent the last year with my face going nunb, now my arms and legs are doing the same thing. i have had every test that you could have and still no answers.the drs have now put me on a siesur med, so far no change. it has only been three days, at this point i will take any thing at all. i also have trouble with getting very dizzy when i look down and turn to the left.i also have ringing in my ears.hope we can all help each other find some answers. good luck

[fixit]

I too have had similar experience to alrighty then.  Presented itself with tingling, numbness, discomfort of left arm alone for about 5 months.  Before I got to doctor, tingling had expanded to all other limbs (except right arm - it is there now).  Had MRI of spine, MRI of brain, numerous blood tests, etc.  Only abnormality was elevated ANA.  Went to neurologist - said not her problem - check connective tissue.  Went to Rheumatologist, awaiting blood tests for everything, however, I have no symptom for lupus, rhuematoid arthritis, etc. He does not think this will turn out to be those things. Tingling has progressed to pain,hot,cold, etc. and yes I am now stressed out.  Was not before this all happened.  Very frustrating as I wake up with it and go to bed with it.  Any medication that is helping anyone??  I hav been given muscle relaxers- none of which work.  Any suggestions?

[whatamess]

Hi,  I've been reading all these responses and find so many similarities with my situation.  I have constant, very strong tingling in my legs, feet, nose and top lip.  I also have muscle twitches and cramps and occasional dizzy spells and at night I have a weird buzzing, vibrating sensation all through my body, it feels like I'm sleeping on a vibrating bed (I noticed that this also was worse when I had a couple of glasses of wine).  I saw a neurologist who did some preliminary physical tests but found that everything was normal, did not send me for an MRI or anything else as he said he didn't think I needed it and should just go to my GP to get some quinnine(sp?) for the leg cramps.  I feel very frustrated as these symptoms have been going on for 6 months and show no signs of disappearing.  Is this just a case of 'live with it' or should I go back to GP and try to get a second opinion.  I was also told that my symptoms were probably related to anxiety but when this all started I wasn't anxious or worried about anything - I am now though!

[fixit]

Wine actually helps mine - temporarily (but I can't drink on the job!!!).  My GP said he didn't think it was anxiety because no one would be able to make up all these wierd symptoms.  I also have the lightheadedness, usually occurring when I am having pain in left arm.  My sleep is not usually affected.  If needed I will take something to make sure I sleep, otherwise it is even worse the next day.  Any suggestions would be great.

[alrightythen]

Update:  I went to the neurologist 12/30/03, he did a partial exam, listened to my symptoms, including continued fasics from a year ago.  He stated that nothing can be found wrong.  He said he and others in the field believe that some (many) people are born with a tendency toward nerve irritation, which can cause tingling/sensory problems in a sensory nerve, or fasics in a motor nerve.  With a clean EMG and MRI, and atypical symtoms (symptoms) for MS type disease, neuro thinks nothing serious is wrong, and that symptoms will subside/decrease over time in all likelihood.  Neuro said he has seen many patients with similar complaints, but has never seen a patient with normal exam/tests ever turn into anything more than the bothersome symptoms, if you know what I mean.  I do recognize that I have a super-sensitive nervous system, i.e., if nervous, BP and pulse zoom, and legs and arms feel weak/shaky, and I have gotten momentarily lightheaded, probably due to hyperventilation.  As time has gone on, I have had to accept that my physical symptoms are probably not due to disease, but to my poor response to normal(and some abnormal) life stressors.  Happy New Year to everyone, and may next year be symptom free.

[alrightythen]

Forgot to mention that neuro said lack of sleep, caffeine, and stress can definitely worsen symptoms, and might be a trigger for some people.  Also wanted to cover bases by stating that I was tested 12/10/03 for lupus, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases through about 8-10 different blood tests, all negative. Thyroid normal, electrolytes normal, general blood counts and B12 normal, hepatitis panel negative.  Not tested for lyme, since it is not found commonly in southeast, though it does happen.  Good luck to all !

[fixit]

Happy New Year.  Update - I also got results from every blood test known to man - even lymes - tested negative for everything except for a slight elevation of one of many tests for lupus.  Rhuematologist still doesn't see evidence anywhere else that this is the problem and elevation was extremely low.  He put me on prednisone (if it works then it means there IS some autoimmune action going on - if not, something else).  Day two and no change, however, I don't know how long until I should see any improvement.  Anyone take this before?  How long before I should see results if there are going to be any?  Thanks for any info.

[joyfull]

Hello,

I am amazed as to the number of people that have the tingling sensation that I have been experiencing. My symptoms seem to get worse when I am in bed.I notice them during the day but keeping  busy seems to help. I had a MRI and a few spots appered which has me concered since my grandfather had ms. I have had these symptoms on and off for many years.I had a contrast MRI done after the first and the doctor said    that  nothing lite up.I hope I don't have ms.I have suffered from anxiety but I don't know if long term anxiety can alter an mri. D

[espm4]

I have also been going through the same thing for the last 5 months, which seems like an eternity.  I started with the vibration feeling, which is really hard to describe, but it sounds like you folks know what I'm talking about.  I don't really notice it when I'm up and busy, but definitely when I'm sitting in a chair or in bed.  I then started having small muscle twitches pretty much all over, and a tremor where my ring finger moves back and forth when held in front of me.  If I'm really nervous, other fingers do it too.  The only thing I haven't heard from the others is that I have very small bouts of incontinence (like spotting) espisodes which tends to occur for about a week every other week.  I also have had every blood test, MRI, EMG, and 3 visits with neuro.  He says he doesn't think it's "anything bad", but that I have some nerve irritability.  He put me on Tegretol, which seemed to help the internal tremor feeling for awhile, but now has returned.  Lots of problems sleeping at night.  I've been a very anxious person, but also was not suffering from stress until all the symptoms appeared.  Like everyone else, I'd love to know that I'm ok.  Please update if anyone gets some advice that helps!

[kwag]

like everyone else, I also have the internal vibratory feeling, twitches, numbness, tingling, occasional dizziness, worse at night, I have had a normal brainMRI, blood tests, etc.  We have not done lyme but I plan to.  I have been doing a detox program for a build up of possible toxins in my body and the S/S have been worse.  I have also had all my amalgam feelings in my teeth removed to remove mercury.  I plan to be chelated soon (Lord willing).  I have cleaned up my diet (eating raw and steamed vegees now, no sugar, very low carb and increased organic protien) as I used to eat poorly and I drank lots of coke products.  now i drink lots of good water.  By the grace of God, I will get better.  I firmly believe that.  I plan to start back on vit B again too.   calcium/magnesium helps me sleep alot better at night.  You'll all be in my prayers..God Bless

[espm4]

Saw neuro once again.  Still says he doesn't think it's anything bad.  Said atypical for MLS,ALS.  I just want to believe that - I'm tired of being scared.

[kwag]

Just read you note,  Feel I have to encourage you.  Believe what you've been told and tell worry, fear and anxiety to take a hike.  Please don't let this take your time and life.  I have had very similar symptoms as you and I spent many hours worrying and losing sleepand it made me worse.  I don't know what you are doing to be as healthy as you possibly can but please spend time researching healthy diets and such.  I understand your fear and I know it's hard not to let all those symptoms bother you and drive you crazy, but thank God, you've been given good news.  Take that news and go with it. God Bless

[espm4]

THANKS for your support!  Sometimes these things that occur are so different than what we have ever experienced, that we don't know how to process any reasonable reaction.  Fear and tension take over.  However, I now thank God for every day that comes and am becoming better at having a positive attitude.  Reading all the responses on this string has especially made me aware that eating better and increasing my exercise can only help my well being and overall health.

[paulak]

I'VE BEEN HAVING TWITCHES ALL OVER MY BODY SINCE SEPT. BUT NOW I'M HAVING THEM IN MY HEAD LIKE MY TEMPLE AREA THE BACK OF MY HEAD AND AT NIGHT SOMETIMES IT WAKES ME UP IT SOUNDS LIKE A TAPING FEELING,IF I MOVE MY HEAD IT STOPS. THIS IS REALLY FREAKING ME OUT. MY DOCTOR THINKS ITS ANXIETY. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THE TWITCHING IN THE HEAD?

[MWJordy]

Like most of you, I have the tingling/numbness sensation. It started about 3 months ago. I only noticed some numbness in my left leg, mainly when i would be drying from the shower. Then, over the course of a month or so, it progressed up to my back and shoulders and eventually my left arm. In the last month, it has gone into my face (mainly the left side) and i can feel twitches/tingling in my head at times. It feels almost like the feeling you get whne your arm or leg falls "asleep" and you're trying to "wake it up", just not as intense. Over the last 3 months my energy level has dropped dramatically. I sometimes have feelings of lightheadedness, confusion, and feel disoriented. I also at times have balance problems, especially if I am trying to climb onto a stool or into a truck or things like that. I went to the ER one night because I felt like I was going to pass out. They did a CAT scan and an EKG as well as blood sugar tests, etc. and said everything was negative. They gave me a a pamplet on headaches, a script for darvocet and sent me on my way. Well, it has only gotten worse and I have no clue where to go from here. If anyone has any info I can be emailed at the same name...MWJordy at aol.com. Thanks!!!!

[twitchynurse]

I feel going to the ER is good if you're bleeding to death but with the symptoms you have I would follow up with your GP, never hurts to push it.

[chrisj]

I have also had very bad tingling and the internal 'electric' feeling.  The latter is in almost all cases due to adrenaline release from anxiety which will also make you feel odd in all sorts of ways (edgy, hyper-aware of things, more anxious).  The former is almost definitely anxiety also - the tingling is caused by hyperventilation (this needn't be obvious or noticeable). I found all this very difficult to believe when I first had it as the feelings were so physical, and I convinced myself I had something bad.  However, after spending probably over 100 hours researching and visiting one of the country's best neuro specialists, I realise that it is the case.

You may also find you have other symptoms such as headaches, eye problems, etc.  This could be TMJ resulting from stress of the above.

Try spending 10-15 minutes relaxing and deep breathing (3 seconds inhale, 3 seconds exhale, 3 seconds break continually).  It may take a few sessions as your body gets used to hyperventilation or shallow breathing but you may well start to feel better.  It may also be worth looking at stress relief such as head and neck massage, talking to a doctor about general anxiety disorders (believe me this is very much a medical condition) and the use of anti-depressents which are good for this kind of thing as well as depression.  Have a llok at http://www.who.int/msa/mnh/ems/primacare/edukit/wepanx.pdf also.  Believe me, the odds are stacked against you having anything bad, and worrying about it being so is just the same as worrying about having a bad car smash all day every day.

Hope that this helps

Chris

[AuntSari]

For 3 yrs., I've had almost the exact symptoms as alrightythen.  I'm 23 y/o and the burning, tingling, numbing, stiffness etc etc etc has literally changed my life.  I can't walk into a grocery store and carry a gallon of milk from the back of the store to the checkout.  Can't cut grass.  My handwriting is affected.  Exercising, walking on treadmill--affected.  Driving--affected.  Holding telephone, curling iron, toothbrush--affected.  I was and still try to be active/athletic and am not overweight/unhealthy. I've had all the tests---labs normal, EMG normal, MRI (Brain & Spine)normal, spinal tap normal.  However the sweat test ABnormal, cold/heat perception ABnormal.  Finally, I'm not crazy after all.  Neuro says it's Small Fiber Neuropathy, but does not know what caused it.  So alrightythen and everyone else literally SUFFERING--you're not alone--though your family may not understand your problems, stay positive.  There's people out there, such as myself, who understands.  Try to keep a journal or confide to a friend how you feel and what is bothering you.