View Full Version : Still twitching all over!!!!!!!!!
Dolphin8808
23-10-14, 17:56
So I notice the twitches so much more at night or when I am sitting at my desk.
A little info about me, 8/31/14 I herniated a disc in my back which has causes severe sciatica down my left leg into my foot. I started taking prednisone the same day I herniated (went to the ER due to severe pain).
Let me say, I have always been a bit twitchy, had an eyelid twitch last over a month before. But within 2 days of injuring my back I began having a LOT of twitching and spasming in my effected left leg, mostly below the knee.
Within a few more days I noticed the twitching in both legs (though the effected leg calmed a bit and the spasms stopped, it only left with random twitching). I do notice the twitching through out my body, but 80% in below my hips. I do also get them in my arms, back, abs, neck etc.
I have read that a side effect of the steroid can be muscle twitching but that was 8 weeks ago so I doubt that is causing my continuous twitching now. It seems to come in waves, some days I don't seem to notice that many, other days, they are almost constant. Ankle, foot, calf, to thigh, to butt, to knee, back, calf to ankle etc... all over the place. about 50% that are in my legs, are in my calves.
I am also a high anxious person, health anxiety especially so this is not something I mentally handle well. I freaks me out and I google and it becomes a vicious cycle. I will be seeing my nuerologist tomorrow and am looking forward to his opinions on it all.
I notice at night when trying to go to sleep I seem to twitch so much more in my legs and I notice it a lot when sitting at my desk at work, maybe because my legs are at rest? I am a fitness instructor and due to my back and I have had to go with no weight in squats, lunges and my back track but keep the same weight for chest, biceps, triceps etc. I keep "thinking" I have muscle weakness, that I am fatiguing faster than normal when teaching class. Maybe I am as Ive had to pull it back a level due to my injury? But I associate it something sinister. That I am losing strength. My foot caught while I was walking into the store last night and now I am thinking its due to muscle weakness in my good leg. Dropped my keys 2 weeks ago (had a few things in my hands) and am wondering if that has something to do with it as well. So then last night I was freaking out, holding my coffee and feeling to see if my grip was still strong and firm.
Crazy right? Have any of you gone through this, paying so much attention to your body that you wonder if you are feeling real weakness or just your mind playing tricks? I am so tired of the twitching. I went on vacation 2 weeks ago and had almost none for the entire 5 days. Lack of stress maybe a cure? Lack of working out giving my body a rest? I don't know but I surely wish I did.
Serenity1990
23-10-14, 18:38
Yup. All sounds very familiar. I'm sure I've given you this link before, but here it is again: http://www.bfsrecovery.com/whatisbfs.php#q1. :)
Twitching all over is not ever how any of the neuro nasties present. :D
Dolphin8808
23-10-14, 18:43
Really? So the twitching tends to be localized when its one of the neuro uglies? (Love how you phrased it lol)!
Serenity1990
23-10-14, 18:45
Tell me which one you're worried about and I'll tell you why it doesn't look like that.
I'm not going to bring up every neuro nasty as I'll undoubtedly make you aware of one you didn't even know of!
Dolphin8808
23-10-14, 18:59
haha yes its the ALS and MS that scare me the most....
Serenity1990
23-10-14, 20:00
Well here's what seemed to help last time:
http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showpost.php?p=1359361&postcount=6
Dolphin8808
23-10-14, 20:55
How true that is.... Looking forward to seeing my Neurologist tomorrow and posting what the follow up appt was like. Fingers crossed for good news, I need it.
I get this too!
Last year it lasted for months - I had low iron and after a course of tablets the twitching got less but maybe it tied in with my anxiety lessening?? Eventually it stopped altogether...however...
I've recently had severe twitching in one eye (it totally distorts my vision when its happening) and other twitches in my foot. Not so much all over as it was last year but still very annoying.
Sounds like you need a permanent holiday if that stopped it!!!
Dolphin8808
24-10-14, 13:29
Ugh I had that dreaded eye twitching last 6 weeks before. I think we stress ourselves to much and our bodies just react. Sorry its hitting you again but glad its not all over your body like before!
Serenity1990
24-10-14, 13:44
I've learnt to enjoy the twitches: they're a good reassurance that nothing more sinister is wrong!
The fact is, once you've fried your nervous system like this it won't get better quickly. These silly little symptoms are likely to be with us for years aftert he stress/anxiety leaves. But kicking that into touch is the first step. :)
i still get twitches that started two years ago,but as my anxiety has decreased so have the twitches.Ive got an eyelid one at the moment that is really bugging me :)
Dolphin8808
24-10-14, 16:41
Thank you so much all, I am so fed up having them. They really are scary. The neurologist is going to have me do a EMG/nerve conduction study just to make myself feel better (his words). He does not think its any type of ALS or MS at this point especially since they started when I injured my back and anxiety went through the roof. He wants to wait until the end of November to do the test though so we can make sure its simply benign and nothing else happening (which can take time to show up).
He said onset and initial symptoms do not match what I am presenting so he would not be concerned with that.... Great!!! Freaked me out though that my reflexes were over active though.
who knows. I am over it... :(
Serenity1990
24-10-14, 16:49
With respect to your brisk reflexes, this is completely expected in BFS. There is a world of difference between "brisk" and "hyper": if they were hyper it would have been very obvious to the neuro.
Dolphin8808
24-10-14, 17:00
I am not sure if he thought they were hyper or not. He did do them again and notice it was only in my knees, not my wrists and in both legs.
Serenity1990
24-10-14, 17:24
If they were hyper your leg would have jumped right up over head height and kicked the neuro in the face. Brisk is where they're just a bit lively, and is very much expected in BFS.
Dolphin8808
24-10-14, 17:47
Oh no... they weren't that bad, just just didn't jump a few inches, it made my leg straighten, so my foot was just about parallel to the floor.
Have you had this with your reflexes as well? I was thinking to myself "great something else to dwell on." Yea... just was us BFS suffers need.
Serenity1990
24-10-14, 18:03
Yup, mine were exactly the same.
Dolphin8808
24-10-14, 18:04
Thanks Serenity for sharing :) I really do appreciate it. You've been through all the tests, how is the EMG, is that painful?
Serenity1990
24-10-14, 18:05
The EMG consists of sticking needles into your muscles and pulsing electricity through them. It's not exactly pleasant, but it's not painful or anything at all to worry about. :)
Hi,
the twitches are due to tension. Andrenaline is causing your mucles to tense and due to constant tension they start to twitch.
Its nothing to be worried about, let ti happen!
Jon
Ive had twiching for over 3 years now. Its decreased alot now but always gets worse with any stress or anxiety
Serenity1990
26-10-14, 20:06
Hi,
the twitches are due to tension. Andrenaline is causing your mucles to tense and due to constant tension they start to twitch.
Its nothing to be worried about, let ti happen!
Jon
It has nothing whatsoever to do with tension.
Dolphin8808
27-10-14, 14:07
Ive had twiching for over 3 years now. Its decreased alot now but always gets worse with any stress or anxiety
Mine seem to be mainly in my legs but I do get them all over too. Makes me nervous as hell and its so very annoying. It seems those of us who suffer with health anxiety seem to bring so many symptoms on ourselves. They are very real, and very much so physical reactions to our mental states but than the feeds the fire!
It has nothing whatsoever to do with tension.
The very definition of "tension" is directly related to stress and anxiety. 3. mental or emotional strain; intense, suppressed suspense, anxiety, or excitement.
What Causes Muscle Twitching?
Why your muscles twitch is not entirely known, at least in terms of why some people experience muscle twitching and not others. But the two key factors here are stress and adrenaline.
Stress – Stress puts a great deal of tension on your muscles and your nerves. Under that level of tension, your muscles experience a rush of hormones and unusual blood flow. Sometimes referred to as "benign fasciculation syndrome," the muscles are simply reacting to changes in nerve energy, pressure, and body disrupted body signals.
Adrenaline – Similarly, adrenaline rushes throw the muscles extra energy, and these can also cause your muscles to feel "off," as though they need to move. In some people, this may be displayed through moving.
Positive thoughts
Serenity1990
28-10-14, 11:01
The very definition of "tension" is directly related to stress and anxiety. 3. mental or emotional strain; intense, suppressed suspense, anxiety, or excitement.
What Causes Muscle Twitching?
Why your muscles twitch is not entirely known, at least in terms of why some people experience muscle twitching and not others. But the two key factors here are stress and adrenaline.
Stress – Stress puts a great deal of tension on your muscles and your nerves. Under that level of tension, your muscles experience a rush of hormones and unusual blood flow. Sometimes referred to as "benign fasciculation syndrome," the muscles are simply reacting to changes in nerve energy, pressure, and body disrupted body signals.
Adrenaline – Similarly, adrenaline rushes throw the muscles extra energy, and these can also cause your muscles to feel "off," as though they need to move. In some people, this may be displayed through moving.
Positive thoughts
Twitching in anxiety shows up on an EMG as peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. Whilst the process in this is not entirely clear, none of the accepted hypotheses relate to muscle tension.
Twitching is definitely due to tension and adrenaline working together. Go to the gym a d lift a heavy weight as many times as you can. Do a bicep curl for eg until you cant do any more and are straining. Then pick up a glass of water and try to have a drink.
Youll see that your muscles will twitch as you try to get it to your mouth.
Best,
Jon
Serenity1990
28-10-14, 11:13
Twitching is definitely due to tension and adrenaline working together. Go to the gym a d lift a heavy weight as many times as you can. Do a bicep curl for eg until you cant do any more and are straining. Then pick up a glass of water and try to have a drink.
Youll see that your muscles will twitch as you try to get it to your mouth.
Best,
Jon
A key feature of benign PNH is that it's worse after exercise.
A key feature of benign PNH is that it's worse after exercise.
It's two different things... One is a direct result of tension and the most common cause of muscle twitching in anxiety sufferers and the other (PNH) is an autoimmune or neurological issue. We can go back and forth with this if you like but the overwhelming evidence points to the first reason. Granted none of us are doctors but all one need do is look through the overwhelming number of threads on anxiety sites about muscle twitching.
Positive thoughts
Serenity1990
28-10-14, 12:02
It's two different things... One is a direct result of tension and the most common cause of muscle twitching in anxiety sufferers and the other (PNH) is an autoimmune or neurological issue. We can go back and forth with this if you like but the overwhelming evidence points to the first reason. Granted none of us are doctors but all one need do is look through the overwhelming number of threads on anxiety sites about muscle twitching.
Positive thoughts
With due respect, this is absolute rubbish. I have a clinical diagnosis of PNH from NHNN, I do not have any autoimmune issues whatsoever and it's most commonly associated with stress/anxiety. The only PNH disorder with an autoimmune cause is Isaac's, which is properly rare (one incidence per million population).
With due respect, this is absolute rubbish. I have a clinical diagnosis of PNH from NHNN, I do not have any autoimmune issues whatsoever and it's most commonly associated with stress/anxiety. The only PNH disorder with an autoimmune cause is Isaac's, which is properly rare (one incidence per million population).
With all due respect and I'm sure it's difficult to deal with....You do... But you're right... 100% What I'm saying is rubbish...
Positive thoughts
Serenity1990
28-10-14, 12:16
Peripheral Nerve Hyperexcitability is an umbrella diagnosis that covers (in order of severity) Benign Fasciculation Syndrome (which is what is sometimes seen in anxiety disorders), Cramp Fasciculation Syndrome, and Neuromytonia/Isaac's (which is autoimmune in around 2/3 of cases, and secondary to cancer in around 1/3).
Isaac's has very characteristic discharges on an EMG, and in 1/3 of autoimmune cases it'll show up in a special blood test. Luckily both of mine were negative. BFS and CFS also have very characteristic discharges on an EMG, the results of which I had back earlier this month. My diagnosis is BFS, caused by stress/anxiety.
But if anyone thinks they know better than one of the best specialist neurologists in the country please feel free to correct him. But believe me, you can't have a fasciculation that doesn't show up as PNH on an EMG.
I suffered with these twitches years ago after my mum died it carried on for months but eventually stopped mine was defo related to stress and anxiety ( and serenity you need to stop talking in all that doctor babble it's insulting to people that don't have a bloody clue what your on about )
Serenity1990
28-10-14, 13:26
For the umpteenth time, I'm agreeing that it has everything to do with stress and anxiety, just stating that it has nothing to do with muscle tension, as there is no evidence whatsoever of this and much to the contrary.
If you're going to disagree with me at least have the common courtesy to actually read what I've written.
I'm getting sick to death of this forum, anyone who uses multisyllabic words is invariably ostracised. Anxiety is more complex than bloody "tension". I got through health anxiety by actually bothering to understand what was wrong with me. I hope others can do the same.
The bottom line, semantics aside, is the OP is suffering from the physical symptoms caused by anxiety, not MS or ALS.
Positive thoughts
This conversation is making me twitch!:roflmao:
Dolphin8808
30-10-14, 13:07
:roflmao: heheheh Rose LOL
I so appreciate everyones responses even the debate, its informative and really can help to explain.
Serenity, its obvious you have worked with some amazing doctors and I am so glad you are feeling better and have a diagnosis after so long.
And everyone else, thank you for sharing your personal experiences. It makes me feel a bit better about my almost constant twitching. My fear is very much so ALS or MS. Even brain tumor has entered by thoughts.
I do have clinical weakness in my hip flexor which the doctor thinks is from my herniated L5-S1 (as well as scoliosis) which I have some severe symptoms in that leg as well. The twitching though is in both legs (about 90%) then wide spread throughout for the remaining.
Not fun at all and can be so worrisome. I am hoping it is the stress and anxiety of my back injury that is making my body physically react to a boat load of mental stress.
I do have clinical weakness in my hip flexor which the doctor thinks is from my herniated L5-S1 (as well as scoliosis) which I have some severe symptoms in that leg as well. The twitching though is in both legs (about 90%) then wide spread throughout for the remaining.
Not fun at all and can be so worrisome. I am hoping it is the stress and anxiety of my back injury that is making my body physically react to a boat load of mental stress.
I have a bulging disc in the L4/L5 area. No fun as you know and I get sciatica occasionally as well as a pretty much constant pain but I've been living with that for 20+ years. Yeah, I get occasional tinglies and a twitch now and again but then I don;t have HA so it really doesn't phase me.
One thing I will recommend (and always check with your doctor) is exercise/stretching. With a disc issue it's degenerative. The only way to really fix it is through surgery but unless you're basically crippled from it, that's not an option. SO... my docs said exercise. The way to alleviate the issues associated with the injury is to strengthen the muscles around it. Makes sense right? The problem is, exercise hurts like hell when you start out. I found out when I got through the initial pain, the other symptoms went away.
Positive thoughts
Dolphin8808
30-10-14, 16:29
I workout 6 days a week, so the doc said I don't need PT, I've had to pull back a bit due to the severe sciatica but still hit the gym pretty hard. I agree, I think it helps so much in the recovery. I just take it easy on my back now :)
I workout 6 days a week, so the doc said I don't need PT, I've had to pull back a bit due to the severe sciatica but still hit the gym pretty hard. I agree, I think it helps so much in the recovery. I just take it easy on my back now :)
Well there you go! I've been out of it for almost two years due to cancer and recovery but I'm finally back walking and doing standard stretching and core exercises. In the month or so I've been doing it, I already feel better and my stamina has increased a bit too.
Talk to your doctor about a low dose of Gabopentin. I take it for neuropathy and it had therapeutic benefits for those with sciatica. Come to think of it, that may be why my sciatica, while still a nuisance, it hasn't been all that bad for a while :)
Positive thoughts
Dolphin8808
30-10-14, 18:10
My doc just gave me that but due to my anxiety I haven't tried it yet. Any adverse reactions for you?
My doc just gave me that but due to my anxiety I haven't tried it yet. Any adverse reactions for you?
When I first starting taking it, it made me a little bit sleepy and a little dizzy when I upped the dose but nothing now and I've been on it for close to two years. I take 300mg 3x a day. I can take 600mg if the nerve pain is getting bad. Honestly, I'd be really hurting if I wasn't taking it. Keep in mind it takes a week or two before you'll start to feel the benefits.
Positive thoughts
Serenity1990
30-10-14, 19:43
I have a disc injury to my lumbar spine after a car accident a few years ago. I found osteopathy really helped; not a great believer in medication for structural issues personally.
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