Thumb twitching and constant muscle spasms....

[worriedhelpme]

August 2007 my thumb started to twitch and has not stopped.  Visible muscle moving between index finger and thumb. I have seen a Neurologist.

1st MRI: There are a few thin septations in the anterior aspect of the left frontal horn along the septum pellucidum. The contents are isointense to CSF on all sequences, suggestive of small simple intraventricular cysts such as arachnoid cyst. It is either bi-lobed or two directly adjacent to each other and in total measures 1 cm in AP dimension x 5mm in width. There is a small focus of high signal intensity in the forceps minor, adjacent to the frontal horn measuring 5mm.

2nd MRI Gadolinium–Stable focal abnormality in the left inferior horn of the lateral ventricle or in the subependymal space of the adjacent forceps minor. The lesion is characterized as a low signal intensity T1 area, high signal intensity on T2 and as noted it could represent a small subependymal cyst or interventricualr cyst. It shows no interval change and is likely an incidental finding. The lesions are optimally seen on the current examination using a 3d technique which provides improved discrimination of the regional anatomy with improved contrast. It shows that the lesion is composed actually of a grouping of microcysts lying in the subependymal space within the adjacent brain. They have CSF signal intensity compatible with CSF.

My hands have electrical shock sensations and go numb.  Pins and needles sensations begin when I lie down to sleep. Then the sensation that my right hand will twitch and has electrical shocks.

I had pain in my hands and loss of muscle strength. This has been better, but still not all strength is back. Arms are weak. I have periodic tremors in my hands. The Neurologist does not know what is wrong with me.

[worriedhelpme]

I forgot to add that I have had an EMG and the doctor said that the results were fine.  I also had nerve conduction studies which also came back fine.  Carpel Tunnel was ruled out.  My B12 and calcium came back fine.  Last month my neck was very sore for two weeks.  They thought it was my thyroid but the ultra sound ruled it out but mentioned small lymphs on the left side of my neck.
Any thoughts?  Does it sound like MS or Lyme disease? What are my next steps? I am a 29 year old female and it is my left thumb twitching.

[pinot621]

Have you ruled out dietary deficiencies other than B12 and calcium?
Have they ruled out a pinched nerve?
Do you have high cholesterol?
Are you on any medications such as anti-axiety/anti-depressants?

It does not sound like you have MS, MS most commonly presents with visual disturbances and fatigue.  An MRI is the diagnostic tool for MS.

As far as Lyme disease is concerned, a simple blood test can be done but I'm not sure if that is it.

[worriedhelpme]

Thank you for your response
I do not have cholesterol. I have been tested for magnesium and it came back fine. I am not on any medication.
I thought that it had to be a pinched nerve but they did an MRI of the head and neck and said that it was fine.  Is there anyway I have a pinched nerve and it wouldn't show up on the MRI of the head or neck?

I do have fatigue.  It has been better this last month but I would have to take a nap after work some days which is unusal for me.

I just had a blood test for Lyme disease and arthritis but will have to wait  a few weeks for the results.  Any other thoughts? Thanks again

[ukcountess]

I also have constant twitching but it is my right toe along w/other symptoms. Do not give up if symptoms continue. You may want to seek another opinion. I am being check ed for heavy metal toxins. One thing I swear has helped me is Alpha-Lipoic Acid 600mg a day. You may want to research this on the internet. It is a very powerful anioxidant. Your MRI cyts are usually usually nothing harmful.

[worriedhelpme]

Does anyone know if all questions are answered?  I was so happy that I got to post my question, but am wondering if it will be answered?  Has anyone had anything similar to my symptoms?  Any suggestions? It would be truly appreciated.  Thank you

[Jon454]

Not a neurologist here but while you're waiting to hear from someone who is, I'd at least consider scheduling a 2nd opinion. Do you have a major medical center near by? Or even one that's a couple hours away would probably be worthwhile. As you may know, the waiting list for someone good can be quite long, so if you did it now and cancelled later if your symptoms resolve that would at least be proactive. Good luck!