Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Jerks/twitching when relaxing muscles?

For almost 2 years now I had these muscle jerks. I've done a MRI, muscle tests and been to a neurologist. They think I'm crazy. The jerking, or cramping (?) comes when I relax. They move around in all of my body on both sides. If I relax they can randomly go left foot - a finger - neck - left foot again - right leg and so on. The jerks are discreet but visible if you are aware of them. Problem is they rarely come when I'm at the doctors.

Psychiatric meds makes them worse, especially SSRIs. I tried Neurontin and had success until week 2 when my jerks got stronger so I quit. I feel so left out with this and afraid to get worse. I had one period of a few months when they went away but came back.

Other symptoms: Agonizing restlessness, sometimes tremor, stiffness in arms, internal vibrations in left leg that comes and goes (sometimes non existent for a few months), fatique, severe brain fog and so on. I'm 25 years old and female. Never been on neuroleptics. Have no issues with pain. Before this I was on no other meds than birth control and occasionally valium.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Unless you have lasting weakness in those muscles that twitch (fasciculations), don't worry.  Stress is likely making everything worse.  Take magnesium 200-400 mg per day and focus on happiness.  Find a neurologist you like/trust.  Get a repeat EMG in the future.  Again, don't let this alter your quality of life.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Oops, I answered you twice.  I did mention mag...cause it's relatively benign and it can work.  Unless you took meds/supplements at right doses for at least 8 weeks, we can say these things don't work. Good luck.
Avatar universal
You are describing fasciculations.  In the absence of weakness in the affected area, they pretty much mean nothing.  Fasciculations originate in the peripheral nervous system (not brain or spinal cord), so scratch MS off your list.  I say, don't give up on medication.  It takes some trial and error to get Neurontin (gabapentin) dose accurate.  If it doesn't work, there's at least a half dozen more that might work.  You may need a new EMG/NCS every 6 months or so, but only if symptoms are evolving.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Forgot to say that I tried probably every supplement you can think of so please no magnesium talk.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Neurology Community

Top Neurology Answerers
620923 tn?1452915648
Allentown, PA
5265383 tn?1669040108
ON
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
1780921 tn?1499301793
Queen Creek, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease