Aa
Still Worried
Hello.
First of all I would like to thank you for your kind attention.
I am 30 years old. On april 2005 I ran my first marathon. One month later (may 2005) I felt muscle twitches in my rigth knee. I was scared (because I knew muscles twitches could be a neurologic disease) and went to a doctor specialized in neuromuscular diseases. He did a neuro clinical exams and the results were all normal. Blood tests all normal. He said me I was 100% fine and the twitches were benign, normal. After a few days I was with widespread fasciculations (legs, shoulders, forarms, abdomen, back,...). On june 2005 I back to my doctor and asked to him a EMG. He told me it was unecessary. After I persisted a lot he did one (4 limbs). All normal. The fasciculations didn't go away and on september I back to my doctor. He did all clinical exams again , all normal. I asked to another EMG and after I persisted a lot he did it again. All normal again (just rare fasciculations was showed but he told me it is normal). On december I back to him again and he told me I was fine. He disapproved to do another EMG and told me to forget about it. Nowdays I still fell the widespread fasciculations. Since april 2005 (marathon) I stopped all kind of exercises. My weight up from 220lbs to 275lbs.
1) Should I be worried?
2) Could it be the early signs of ALS?
3) What is the difference between benign twitches and twitches in neuromuscular diseases?
4) If the twitches were about ALS, the EMG's I did last year would pick up it or it was too earlier yet to pick up something?
Sorry for my english. Thank you a lot.
First of all I would like to thank you for your kind attention.
I am 30 years old. On april 2005 I ran my first marathon. One month later (may 2005) I felt muscle twitches in my rigth knee. I was scared (because I knew muscles twitches could be a neurologic disease) and went to a doctor specialized in neuromuscular diseases. He did a neuro clinical exams and the results were all normal. Blood tests all normal. He said me I was 100% fine and the twitches were benign, normal. After a few days I was with widespread fasciculations (legs, shoulders, forarms, abdomen, back,...). On june 2005 I back to my doctor and asked to him a EMG. He told me it was unecessary. After I persisted a lot he did one (4 limbs). All normal. The fasciculations didn't go away and on september I back to my doctor. He did all clinical exams again , all normal. I asked to another EMG and after I persisted a lot he did it again. All normal again (just rare fasciculations was showed but he told me it is normal). On december I back to him again and he told me I was fine. He disapproved to do another EMG and told me to forget about it. Nowdays I still fell the widespread fasciculations. Since april 2005 (marathon) I stopped all kind of exercises. My weight up from 220lbs to 275lbs.
1) Should I be worried?
2) Could it be the early signs of ALS?
3) What is the difference between benign twitches and twitches in neuromuscular diseases?
4) If the twitches were about ALS, the EMG's I did last year would pick up it or it was too earlier yet to pick up something?
Sorry for my english. Thank you a lot.
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes. From the symptoms you describe I suspect you do have benign fasiculations. Fasiculations (muscle twitches) are not specifc to any neuromuscular disease, but are seen in normal individuals after strenous exercise, as a benign syndrome, in electrolyte abnormalities and associated with some neuromuscular diseases (most notably ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or motor neuron disease).
When patients present with muscle twitches the concern is always to rule-out underlying neuromuscular disease. Patients that do have ALS generally present with weakness and atrophy, and may have associated muscles twitches (but this is not required or specific for the disorder). Without weakness or atrophy the diagnosis of ALS is very unlikely. However given the severity of ALS an EMG should always be preformed on someone concerned about ALS reguardless of the presentation to see if any early signs are present. It sounds like you were treated appropriately and had 2 normal EMGs.
Most people with fasiculations have a benign syndrome. Sometime the fasiculations start after a viral infection and can last for 6months-2 years. Some occur due to imbalance in electrolytes, mostly calcium or magnesium and this should be checked (was probably included in your blood work). They can also occur after excessive exercise (possibly related to your marathon).
Given the symptoms and histoy you provided I would recommend that continue to follow with your neurologist, but do not need anymore EMGs unless you develop weakness or atrophy (muscle size shrinking). I would make sure that the blood work he/she ordered included Na, K, Cl, C02, BUN, Cr, Glucose, calcium, magnesium, phos (electrolytes), and CPK, aldolase (muscle enzymes). I would also encourage you to continue exercising. I hope this has been helpful.
When patients present with muscle twitches the concern is always to rule-out underlying neuromuscular disease. Patients that do have ALS generally present with weakness and atrophy, and may have associated muscles twitches (but this is not required or specific for the disorder). Without weakness or atrophy the diagnosis of ALS is very unlikely. However given the severity of ALS an EMG should always be preformed on someone concerned about ALS reguardless of the presentation to see if any early signs are present. It sounds like you were treated appropriately and had 2 normal EMGs.
Most people with fasiculations have a benign syndrome. Sometime the fasiculations start after a viral infection and can last for 6months-2 years. Some occur due to imbalance in electrolytes, mostly calcium or magnesium and this should be checked (was probably included in your blood work). They can also occur after excessive exercise (possibly related to your marathon).
Given the symptoms and histoy you provided I would recommend that continue to follow with your neurologist, but do not need anymore EMGs unless you develop weakness or atrophy (muscle size shrinking). I would make sure that the blood work he/she ordered included Na, K, Cl, C02, BUN, Cr, Glucose, calcium, magnesium, phos (electrolytes), and CPK, aldolase (muscle enzymes). I would also encourage you to continue exercising. I hope this has been helpful.
5) What you can advice me?
It's difficult to put it out of my mind.
It's difficult to put it out of my mind.
If you've been to the doctor that many times without anything showing up than you're fine.. if you had something serious like ALS you would know it and so would the doctors. I've had muscle twitches for years all over my body, they are normal and are not a sign of a neurologic disease unless accompanied by muscle weakness or wasting (things you would certainly notice). Put your mind at ease and enjoy life. You may want to try some anxiety medication like Lexapro,etc.
Thank you for your comment. My fear is that it could be the first sign and very earlier to EMG or doctor to detect something. Thank you.
Sorry, this one is a long one, I too am worried about my symptoms, so far I have not been diagnoses with anything that is comforting or "solid" it seemns like they are basically guessing with me until something new pops up to add or subtract to thier theories. What most concerns me is that my symptoms have persisted for so long. I suppose the "good news" is that I have not noticed any wasting or noticable weakness. My only real concern is that ALS seems to be a "tricky" disease to diagnose, from what I have read many people may have had it for many years and just did not recieve a diagnosis until the symptoms were quite pronounced. How many years can these symptoms go on before one can feel "safe" that it's not ALS? I have never recieved a straight answer, perhaps one does not exist?
Here's my story;
I was 37 years old and first started seeing a Dr. in May of 1998 for a persistant twitch in my left forefinger/thumb, it didn't hurt but would involuntarily pully them towards each other in a fairly rapid succession of twitches. I lived in Utah at the time. My Dr. referred me to a neurologist but due to a long appointment wait it was November
of 1998 before I was seen. By this time I had deleloped VERY pronounced random muscle fasciculation
Here's my story;
I was 37 years old and first started seeing a Dr. in May of 1998 for a persistant twitch in my left forefinger/thumb, it didn't hurt but would involuntarily pully them towards each other in a fairly rapid succession of twitches. I lived in Utah at the time. My Dr. referred me to a neurologist but due to a long appointment wait it was November
of 1998 before I was seen. By this time I had deleloped VERY pronounced random muscle fasciculation
Don't worry, you don't have NMD (ALS). I'm going through all of concerns, obsesive thinking, searching over web, excercises...looking for straight answer. Am I into NMD(ALS) desease or not!?
NO STRICTLY ANSWER YET! I'm twitching since March 2004. Starting in eyelid fasciculations spread all over my body. My legs are twitching 24/7 (like popcorn) almost two years. I can run. Two/three times per week I run 5 miles within one hour. I have 50 years.
At least 5 (five!) Neuros here in Croatia said that I have not ANY fatal desease. I have done 7 (seven) EMG; five on my own choice. All good and normal except mild radiculopathy L5/Sl. Some kind of metabolic disorder is still on suspect because I have dx tetany (diagnose in my left hand).
Crams in my calves were described as benign. Magnesium (sublingual) helps me. Drink water (not too much 2-3 litres) with little bit salt and no sugar (or suplements like aspartame). Eat fresh tomatos & bananas (rich of potassium).
Greetings.
S.B.
P.S.
I am dee jay on radio station and congas (percussions)player as well. I can play on conga skin by my fingers, handling with equipment, CD's... With ALS I shouldn't do it.
NO STRICTLY ANSWER YET! I'm twitching since March 2004. Starting in eyelid fasciculations spread all over my body. My legs are twitching 24/7 (like popcorn) almost two years. I can run. Two/three times per week I run 5 miles within one hour. I have 50 years.
At least 5 (five!) Neuros here in Croatia said that I have not ANY fatal desease. I have done 7 (seven) EMG; five on my own choice. All good and normal except mild radiculopathy L5/Sl. Some kind of metabolic disorder is still on suspect because I have dx tetany (diagnose in my left hand).
Crams in my calves were described as benign. Magnesium (sublingual) helps me. Drink water (not too much 2-3 litres) with little bit salt and no sugar (or suplements like aspartame). Eat fresh tomatos & bananas (rich of potassium).
Greetings.
S.B.
P.S.
I am dee jay on radio station and congas (percussions)player as well. I can play on conga skin by my fingers, handling with equipment, CD's... With ALS I shouldn't do it.
Many drugs cause fasciculations that start some months after taking them, and can last for years, specially if one is re-exposed to them because he/she is unaware of the cause.
Some medicines cause both fasciculations and muscle wasting, without realeasing amiotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
One of the class of drugs more frequently prescribed that cause fasciculations in a great percentage of people is the fluoroquinolone antibiotics (cipro, levaquin, floxin, tequin and the like).
You should spend a few minutes ruling out that you took any of those antibiotics up to one and a half years prior to the onset of your symptoms.
Some medicines cause both fasciculations and muscle wasting, without realeasing amiotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
One of the class of drugs more frequently prescribed that cause fasciculations in a great percentage of people is the fluoroquinolone antibiotics (cipro, levaquin, floxin, tequin and the like).
You should spend a few minutes ruling out that you took any of those antibiotics up to one and a half years prior to the onset of your symptoms.
I have taken Cipro and possibly Flaxin, but I believe this was a year or 2 after my symptoms first appeared, although granted, the symptoms have increased since first taking Cipro roughly 4-5 4 years ago (I have diverticulitis attacks/infections on occasion).
The only consistant syptom I have is the twitching in my left forefinger/thumb, it's been there off and on for about 7 years now, it almost seems like some sort of permanant nerve or brain damage because it's always there. If I strain the muscles there intentionally the thumb and forefinger will begin to twitch and spasm after I relax even if it had been resting/not twitching prior to the excorcise. Other parts of my body do not react in the same manor after excorcise. I don't recall any specific event in my life that may have caused this damage(?) it just started twitching one day out of the blue and slowly became more noticable/stronger/frequent over time.
The only consistant syptom I have is the twitching in my left forefinger/thumb, it's been there off and on for about 7 years now, it almost seems like some sort of permanant nerve or brain damage because it's always there. If I strain the muscles there intentionally the thumb and forefinger will begin to twitch and spasm after I relax even if it had been resting/not twitching prior to the excorcise. Other parts of my body do not react in the same manor after excorcise. I don't recall any specific event in my life that may have caused this damage(?) it just started twitching one day out of the blue and slowly became more noticable/stronger/frequent over time.
When are these people posting questions? I've been trying for the last 3 weeks and it's always been full :(
I have had a lot of the same symptoms the buzzing tingling and twitching between the thumb and forefinger. You can e-mail me at ***@****. I would like to ask you some questons we are the same age
I have muscle twitches all over my body. I really need some help. The twitches is mainly in my thighs calves and buttocks. Can someone please, please please help me. I have tried magnesium, and also I was taking one a day vitamins. Please respond to my question. If anyone respond to me and need a way to contact me please send me a message to my e-mail at SHEMIKA_HONEST***@****, or contact me any way that is possible.
I have muscle twitches all over my body. I really need some help. The twitches is mainly in my thighs calves and buttocks. Can someone please, please please help me. I have tried magnesium, and also I was taking one a day vitamins. Please respond to my question. If anyone respond to me and need a way to contact me please send me a message to my e-mail at SHEMIKA_HONEST***@****, or contact me any way that is possible.
I have muscle twitches all over my body. I really need some help. The twitches is mainly in my thighs calves and buttocks. Can someone please, please please help me. I have tried magnesium, and also I was taking one a day vitamins. Please respond to my question. If anyone respond to me and need a way to contact me please send me a message to my e-mail at SHEMIKA_HONEST***@****, or contact me any way that is possible.
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