Headaches plus other neurological symptoms

[Karpaasi]

I have had this episode occur twice in the last two weeks. The first episode sent me to the ER, of which blood work, glucose, EKG, head CT were all negative. I have seen a neurologist and I'm awaiting a MRI, EEG and EMG on June 8th. Both occured in the evening. Also, thyroid check out fine.

The first symptom is restlessness/crawling out of my skin feeling. I don't drink caffeine much, but the feeling is like I've had a couple of cups of coffee. It makes me restless enough that I have to get up, walk around, etc. Very uncomfortable feeling.

Next come the tremors/muscle spasms/trembling, most pronounced in legs, but also in my arms, torso and head. The first episode was very pronounced, this last one much less so. During the first episode I could see the muscle fibers firing off in my legs. This lasts about 45 minutes or so.

Also some involuntary muscle twitching, though slight. I also feel cold, my head gets foggy, and I get the sense that it makes me feel the need to urinate (though I drink a lot of water, so who knows).

Fine afterwards, actually quite relaxed and tired.

I should also note that I've been having several constant, dull headaches during the daytime. Not much pain, but definitely some pressure, occassional balance issues, dizziness, etc. This is the reason I'm getting the MRI.

Just wanted to see if anyone has had anything similar.

Thanks in advance!

[charley1986]

Your first symptom sounds something like restless leg syndrome. Not sure about that or anything else - but you could ask about that maybe.  Hope you find some help.  Will keep in touch if I hear of anything similar.

[Carol in PA]

Karpaasi:

The symptoms you describe sound similar to low levels of magnesium within the cells.

This causes problems with the bioelectrical activity of the cells.  Muscles cells may twitch.  Nerves cells can be affected, and you get parasthesias, which are odd sensations like bugs crawling, or a vibration sensation.

You can supplement magnesium with magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate.  These are more easily absorbed in the intestines than other forms, such as mag oxide.

You can also soak for 20 minutes in an Epsom salts bath.
Epsom salts contain magnesium chloride, and the magnesium can absorb through the skin.  

Getting a blood test for magnesium levels may not show what you're looking for, because the level of mag in the bloodstream may look normal, even when the level within the body's muscle and nerve cells are low.

There are whole books written about magnesium.

Hope this helps.
Carol

p.s. I just realized that you said you also have headaches and dizziness.
When you add these symptoms, the pattern begins to resemble Lyme Disease.

List of Lyme symptoms:
http://www.canlyme.com/patsymptoms.html

When To Suspect Lyme Disease
http://cassia.org/essay.htm

[Karpaasi]

Thanks for your thoughts!

I don't know about restless legs syndrome, since I have other symptoms, though I'll keep that in the back of my mind.

Lyme is definitely a possibility. I used to do a lot of trail running in the woods, and have removed several ticks over the past couple of years. I was tested for Lyme's last year by two different doctors, for other issues (fatigue, aches, etc.). This is the first time I've presented any neurological issues, which I realize could mean that the Lyme is progressing. I know that the tests do not always come up positive, and indeed they were negative last year. I'm going to get tested again on Monday.

There is definitely some anxiety playing a role, though it's hard to tell if the anxiety is a primary or secondary factor. I realize anxiety can cause a hosts of symptoms. I feel like I know my body pretty well, and I think anxiety is causing some of my symptoms, but I think there's more to it.

I'm also looking at possible sinus/allergy issues, especially for the balance, dizziness and general headaches. I have been plaqued by some bad sinus issues in the past, and I think it's a possiblity that I've got a lingering sinus infection or I'm developing some new allergies.

Anyway, as I know more I will post more. Today has been a GREAT day, which is always good news. If anyone else has any thoughts, please post them.

[carbaholic]

I have just been through most of the same symptoms as you described.  I also had stuttering.  After a full gamit of tests the doctor put me on Lexapro and Xanex for anxitey.  Most of the symptoms have gone I just seem to have this lingering tense feeling in my head and neck (however has gotten better).  You may want to ask your doctor about generalized anxiety.

Hope you feel better.

[Karpaasi]

Carbaholic, that's good to know. I know that anxiety is playing a role, to what extent, who knows. For example, today I was feeling out of it, with a headache, tremors, etc., and I took a lorazepam,which knocked it out. Felt fine...

Do or did you have times when your body felt anxious (and presented symptoms), but you really didn't feel anxious? I have days when I feel great, days when I feel anxious and know it, and then days when I get the symptoms I've mentioned above that may be caused by anxiety, but I don't feel anxious at all.

I guess anxiety can just hit you, even if you're not anxious at the time? That's what I'm trying to figure out.