thumb twitch problem

[Greg99]

Hi,

   I am 18 yr. old male, fine health.  A few days ago I developed this twitch in my thumb.  It occurs at rest.  When the twitch occurs you can see a muscle, or tendono or something move in the fleshy part of the palm and pull the thumb a little.  I may rest my hand and it won't occur, and then 10 minutes later I may rest my hand and it occurs.  So it is sporradic, but has been consitently occuring for a few days now.  What type of twitch is this?  I read PD can occur at any age, is this a type of pill rolling tremor, although I would call it a twitch, or is this just a normal twitch, and nothing to worry about?  I have been very anxious about this lately, please give me an idea.

Thanks alot!
GREG

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

Doesn't sound like a "pill rolling tremor" as this would usually involve the whole hand.  I have seen similar cases in young patients following trauma/local injury and it can also occur in people who have recently overused their hand/fingers. Another thought is it could be a benign fasciculation (muscle twitching that does not progress to a serious neurological disease) or perhaps even the start of a tremor. Watch it for the next couple of weeks and take it easy on the hand for a while with no heavy lifting or overexertion. If it gets worse or persists, consider seeing your primary care doc just to make sure everything is ok. Good luck,.

[dizz]

my guess is its your body saying "I need vitamin C".....

I'd be taking a multi-vitamin or 500-1000mg/day of Vitamin-C, also wouldn't hurt to take Vitamin B-50 Complex or B-6, B-12 and Folic Acid (Folate).

Probaby see your twitching go away in about 7 days, if it didn't I'd then seek medical help.

[Greg99]

Before one of the Docs weighs in on my post, what about ALS?  I have no weakness, just a thumb twitch,and I'm only 18, so does ALS sound like a non issue?

Thanks!
GREG

[AMO]

Dear Gregg,
I know when something like that would start you can be nervous about it, but try not to. From what you discribe it does not sound like the classic 'pill roll'  tremor someone can get with PD. Try to not be anxious about it.
Take care,
amo

[Christina123]

Gregg - If you go to www.yahoo.com and look in the Health section.  Type in either the word "twitch" or "fasciculation".  It says in there that normal twitches occur in the thumb, calf or eye.  You are just experiencing a normal stress related twitch.  It will go away soon.  Haven't you ever had a twitch in your eye?  It's the same thing.  Stop stressing and have a great new year!

[AMO]

Dear Gregg,
Sometimes it just happens like over use and stress. Alot of people who are not ill get twitches. Seeing how this just started not long ago and you are young and healthy i would very highly doubt if any of the serious things would be causing it. The worring can bring these things on worse so try to relax (i know sometimes easier said than done :)
Take care, amo