Muscle convulsions

[Suzie127]

My son is 24 years old. About 4 months ago he went tube riding on a local dam, where he was thrown off the tube. He did not feel anything wrong with him, as it did not hurt at the time. After about 3 days he started complaining about pain in his back and down his leg and hip. It became so bad that he was hospitalized. He was treated with a pain injection in the back, and released. During the procedure the doctor inserted a catheter, which subsequently led to a serious infection in his bladder. After his discharge from hospital, the pain in his back and legs got worse and worse, causing him to lose sensation in the leg and half paralysis. He was in and out of hospital continuously. All kinds of tests were performed: blood tests, urine tests, bone marrow test, lumbar puncture, scans, x-rays, MRI, radiation tests, etc. All revealed the same: NOTHING. While he was in hospital in February, he started getting uncontrollable muscle convulsions. The muscles cramped up completely in his back and legs, and he would lose consciousness and struggle to breathe. These convulsions have become more and more frequent, and they are becoming more serious in intensity. Last night he got one so bad in his chest that he passed out completely. He has no control over the muscles  -  they do not relax, they cramp up and convulse so much that he has a total seizure writhing on the ground. He also has problems breathing when this happens. PLEASE!!!! can somebody out there help???? What is wrong with him? He was a healthy young man before this started. Susan Loubser

[Tuckamore]

To locate other Forums just click on the word Forums at the top left hand side of this page. It's located in a bar right next to the word MedHelp.

One of the MedHelp Forums I suggest you post this thread is located in the  "Ask a Doctor" Section of our list of Forums. The list is on the right hand side of our Forum page. It is the Neurology Forum where all questions are answered by physicians from the Cleveland Clinic. I don't know if there is a cost for questions on the "Ask a Doctor."

We also have a Neurology Forum on the left hand side of the Forum page listing under Medical Support Communities. I would try there also.

Again please keep in touch and let us know how your son is doing.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[Tuckamore]

Hello Susan,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am so sorry to hear about your son. My heart goes out to you.

I am a bit confused, not unusual for me. Is your son experiencing muscle spasms or convulsions? There is a big difference between the two. Muscle spasms can be caused from Vitamin or Mineral deficiencies. But it sounds like he is having more than just muscle spasms.  An actual  convulsion or seizure is centered in the brain. I am far from an expert but based on your description is sounds like your son has an undiagnosed convulsion disorder. I am sure that have considered that he may have struck his head when he was thrown from the tube and just not recall the head trauma.

You said he had extensive work up in the hospital. Is the hospital a local community hospital or a large teaching hospital? In my opinion your son need to have a consult with a large university or teaching hospital. If he has had that then possibly he should be seen at one of the nationally known clinics/hospitals.

If his condition is worsening he needs further diagnostic studies. Don't be afraid to "hurt the feelings" of his PCP. He needs some answers. Again these are just my opinions and like you I am a mother and not a physician. I don't know what is wrong with your son but I think his condition is very concerning. I don't think he should wait for months for another consult. I think he should be seen asap.

Have you posted this in other forums? You are always welcome here. I will search out list and see if there may be a better forum for you to post your concerns. We have some that are lead by physicians.

Please let us know how he is doing. I will watch for your updates with interest. Best of luck to you and your son.

Peace,
~Tuck