Muscle twitching and jerks

thanks for your reply . How are your symtoms?

@anita42201, my symptoms are still mostly the same as the last time I posted, with a few added concerns:

• the little twitches are still concentrated in my calves and feet; come and go all day every day
• occasional twitches in random other places: an arm, a shoulder, a thigh, an eyebrow...
• little jerking sensations in my foot, especially left
• aches and pains everywhere, especially now deep in my left calf
• a strange sensation that I don't move like I used to, like my hands are more uncoordinated, but I don't know if this is my imagination and/or stress after 4.5 months of twitches
• trouble recalling facts/names etc

(-plus the ongoing atypical facial neuralgia that started two years ago)

I saw a neurologist yesterday who asked me no questions and just did some rudimentary checks like asking me to touch my nose and hammering my reflex points -- ordered no tests and just said it's Benign Fasciculation Syndrome. (I hope it's nothing worse than that.) He seemed long past retirement age and uninterested in the whole thing. It seems in Canada here doctors tend to be reluctant to order tests, at least in comparison to USA doctors.

I hope everyone has a great day.

my primary dr did the same type of tests on me when I went to see him on Monday. He said he didnt think there was a neurological problem and ordered a bunch of bloodwork. I started to think maybe the symptoms (or lack thereof) are obvious to the dr and he just didnt see them. at least I hope that's the case. my bloodwork is not back yet but Im hoping to get answers. Stella z, my twitches are just like yours., right down to the calf pain.

@lisa99688, wow, interesting parallels! Do you have any "hunches" about what might be behind your symptoms?

I have a few theories that I shuffle through. Depending on the day, I think maybe it's because of...

• the fact I had sprayed glyphosate (weed killer of RoundUp family) just about 1.5 days before the twitches started and the spray had gotten on my calves
• the fact my hormones must be on the decline
• some connection the autoimmune markers (ANA) in my bloodwork (connected to certain illness likes rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, mixed connective tissue disease), but no diagnosis
• some problems in my neck bones/spine
• some kind of deep existential distress I'm not fully aware of (LOL)

... and there are more theories, including the ones I have to try very hard not to think about, such as some terrible systemic issue. I mostly manage to push those thoughts away. 😃

Any gut feelings about what might be causing your issues?

Sounds a lot like me neurologist. Let's hope it's just hormonal.

If it's not some deadly neurological disease (which my dr doesn't think it is), then maybe it's just hormonal. I do trust my dr and if he even remotely thought there was a neurological issue, he would have referred me immediately. I do suffer from anxiety, so that's always a possibility. My blood work hasn't come back yet, but it will be great if I had low magnesium or something. The worst past is having no answers. If I don't have an explanation for my symptoms, I will continue to worry.

Thanks, Anita! Let's hope so! 😃

Lisa, I hope the bloodwork turns out to be helpful -- yes, it could be low magnesium! Please keep us posted on how things go and how you're feeling. For anxiety, when my neuralgia started I went to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and truly it was a huge help. I also started delving into the philosophy of Stoicism which has also been an immense help! I hope you have a great day.

hello Ladies, Sella-Z,

I saw my neurologist insisted that my symptoms are not due to a neurological disorder. My additional blood work magnesium, calcium, t4, tsh, parathyroid all came back fine. So I'm stuck again with no answers. My right eye has been twitching for a month now and my health anxiety is mounting. Inner tremors, and now a tremor when i articulate my arms and legs. Barely noticeable. Neurologist said it's an essential tremor. Nothing to worry about.

I'm still active, I do jog, but feel that I'm shrinking in mass. Though my weight is the same. So filled with anxiety I have lost all my support. Even my husband doesn't see what the fuss is about. Ladies?

Sorry to hear you're not getting any answers or even advice from doctors, Anita. I'm in the same boat, although I also have had other scary symptoms for more than two years. (Although the twitching started about 5.5 months ago.) The neurologist told me the same thing, and ordered no tests. I would be nice if at least they gave some insights or tips on how to cope or some thing s to try to reduce the symptoms -- anything at all. I hope things get much better for you, Anita!

i have had calf, foot and leg twitches for a year and a half. been to multiples drs and numerous tests completed. no answers

I basically have the same symptoms as you. I spend much of my time terrified I have some neurological issue. Nighttime is the worst. I go to bed and feel the twitches and tremors, often spending most of the night awake and worrying. This is no way to live.

Sorry, anita42201, I was trying to reply to Stella-Z. I must have hit the wrong reply icon before posting.

So sorry to hear that, @j65085. I know how distressing it can be. I'm still experiencing this as well. Do you ever get actual jerks (as in actual little movements) apart from twitches? I do, on my left side. :\

On a somewhat positive note, if it's been going on for a year and a half, it sort of rules out some of the more frightening possibilities. As I wrote elsewhere, for me now it's been about 6 months, and a neurologist (who ordered no tests but did some in-office strength checks) said it's Benign Fasciculation Syndrome. Sometimes the symptoms subside and sometimes they surge. (I have a bunch of other weird things going on too. Given that doctors aren't really helping or bothering to dig deep, I'm just trying to keep it all off my mind.)

I really hope your symptoms go away. And happiest holidays!

@lisa99688 I totally hear you. I have had to work hard not to despair about some possible terrible issue. Truly Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and the philosophy of Stoicism have helped me cope with all of these bizarre symptoms. The doctors here in Toronto Canada just never seem to want to roll up their sleeves and get to the bottom of what's going on -- and it's exhausting to keep trying to get them to investigate.

Have you had things checked out recently?

I hope you can find some strategies for keeping this from ruining your days/nights. Happiest holidays and may 2020 bring you total healing! 😃

no worries, Lisa,

I'm still experiencing same symptoms . Eye twitching still going on . I'm on magnesium and other supplements . I feel strong, but I believe muscle mass has reduced . i continue to be active, dance class and jogging. Don´t know what else to do. I sometimes feel crawling, burning, and buzzing sensation on legs and feet..

Hope we get answers soon.

Happy Holidays to you Stella! May we find answers soon .

I have the crawling and buzzing too, mostly in my legs and feet, but sometimes in my hands

it' s the only solace i have to hear that you are all experiencing same symptoms.

Hello all! I stumbled upon your thread online and had to respond. I too am have weird twitching all over. I can relate to your symptoms @stella-z

Mine started with a weird feeling in my left leg one afternoon like it was asleep. Then after a couple busy days during Thanksgiving I started having leg twitches and cramps out of nowhere. After a couple of weeks the twitching (some visible and others not) started all over my body (legs, arms, butt, sides, chest, etc).

Ive been taking magnesium which has helped but not taken the weird sensations away. Also have had brain fog, fatigue and lots of emotions. I too am anxious about ALS or a MND, since my Nana and Uncle passed from that.

Also wondering if its Peri as Ive noticed changes in my periods and turning 40 in 6 months. Will be heading to the dr in the next couple of weeks and hoping for answers and good news.

My heart is with you all! So stressful to be dealing with these worrisome symptoms.

Glad I Came to find this Thread . I am almost 50 and Have and am Having all these symptoms wow . This Month with Jerks mostly in my Hands fingers and the muscle twitches all over . when i am relaxing in my recliner feet up watching TV I notice it more . I have had peri symptoms since 43 . I also have anxiety Take all the same vitamins . Take iron also going to try Balanced Femme had good reviews on amazon . I also think it is something serious like MS or ALS reading On Dr Google can be stressful enough . This yr I have started with Hot Flashes wow hate them also and some skipping periods or light months or heavy months . Glad I am not the only one Meno Hell is Not Fun !! To a Better 2020 to us all less Health Anxiety 

Dear @anita42201, @lisa99688, @angievon, @michelle51519,

Sorry to hear of the ongoing issues. I too am grappling with keeping fear at bay. I hope we can all focus on the current day and enjoy it to the fullest, and not let our fears cast a shadow over our hours and days and months. We have this moment. No one in the world can know what will happen to them the next day, but we can all decide we'll make the most of every moment. No matter what comes, we'll never regret having seized the day. Sorry if if this preachy -- just hoping to usher in the new year with a sense of strength and hopefulness! We've got some troubling things going on, but also many things to be thankful for, including one another's support. 😃

May 2020 bring us all many happy moments and fond new memories! Big hugs to you all.

Thank You for you best wishes . I'm confident we will all pull through this .

Happy New Year everyone! How are you all doing? My spasms and jerks have been terrible for the last couple of days. I hate the fact that some days I can't stop worrying about them.

Hi Lisa 99688,

it looks like we are on the same path. I too have had bad twitching this week . And worrying makes it worse . The only relief I have is doing some exercise either running, Walking and light weight training . I have now started with my eye and face twitching as well as feeling burning sensations on skin. From the exterior all seems normal to my family and they don't get what the fuss about.

Sorry to hear it, Lisa and Anita.

I've got my little twitches going on, occasional jerks in my left leg (although the twitches and jerks have been more mild), and now in the past 7 weeks or so, increasing pain deep in my left calf. Trying not to stress about it and hoping it will pass.

Anita, on and off I've had a sensation that is like burning, or more like itching, especially in my forearms, although it usually goes away for a while and then briefly returns.

Now I've got additional issues like severe recession and pain in a patch of my lower gums (started 2 years ago but now much worse; got referral to specialist) and, today, I was told I have "extremely narrow angles" in my eyes and am at very high risk for a severe form of glaucoma, so have to have (minor?) laser surgery asap to poke a hole in my upper retinas. Alrighty. It seems at age 49 I am simply falling apart.

Sorry -- I meant to say poke a hole in my irises, not my retinas! Oops. Gosh.

Hello Lisa and Stella,

I was seen by a second reputable neurologist who confirmed that I'm not dealing with a neurological issue . He examined me extensively and concluded there is nothing to worry about . Yet, my twitching, Popcorn feeling, crawling still continues . Pulsation in right side near liver and Gallbladder. Face twitching as well . i noticed more muscle definition and worried it was muscle mass reduction .. But it doesn't worry the doctors. my GP doesn't know what to tell me any more, other than take anxiety medication. Help!

Haven´t heard back. Hope every one is hanging in there

Hi Anita,

Alright, that is good news about the second neurologist's opinion! That should really help put your mind at ease. If there were any reason for them to suspect something that needs treatment, they would have followed up with more tests (because otherwise it would negligent, and it would be extremely bizarre for two neurologists in a row to do that), but it really does seem they're not seeing any reason to do that -- wonderful.

I don't remember -- did you say you're in Canada? I find that here the doctors aren't so quick to order tests, while in the USA it seems they order tests for any and every reason, and I heard that's because things work differently with for-profit interests. I don't know if that's the case but at any rate I hope this second visit takes some of the worry away. 😃 If it still doesn't, and the symptoms persist for several months more, maybe you can tell your doctor you insist on actual diagnostics just to put your mind at ease.

I've still got the twitches, but less pronounced, and the pain and stiffness is still there (and possibly increasing every week), particularly in my left calf. I think I always have an undercurrent of fear running in the background of my days but I try not to let it take over. I have a rheumatologist appointment in a few weeks and will post an update.

I hope you are still keeping active as you were! 😃 Have a wonderful day.

Sorry, I never got a notification of your message. That is such great news! I had my yearly exam last week and asked my gyn if he ever had patients with the symptoms I have. I also told him about this forum. He said although he had never heard of this, he wouldn't be surprised because hormones, or lack thereof, can wreak havoc on your body. He suggested hormone replacement for a few months to see if it makes a difference. I just started using a patch 4 days ago. We'll see if it makes a difference. Did the neurologist offer up a possible reason for your symptoms?

I understand the twitching and stiffness- I'm having a lot of pain and stiffness in my left leg. Lately ive been having extreme fatigue- like cant get off the couch fatigue. And my last two periods were only two days long. Ive noticed everything from digestion issues, fatigue, twitching, pins and needles sensations, bubbling feeling in legs and on and on. I'm getting a hormone panel done and hoping this sheds some light on things- otherwise the neurologist is next.

Sorry to hear you're going through it too. Please keep us posted on how things go with the hormone panel and everything else. I hope things improve!

Dear Stella,

Thank you for response. Wasn´t able to log on for some reason. Yes, I'm in Canada, Montreal. I have forced the system here. I asked for a second opinion and was seem by a reputable neurologist. And all was ok . One would think that it would put my mind at ease, it did only temporarly. I´m wanting to get some answers Last week my twitching seemed worst and I feel shakky all over. I´m keeping as active as a can trying not to despair. Feel burning sensations as well.

Went to hormonal specialist and my cortisol , progesterone ans testosterone are low. I was perscribed bioidentical progesterone, but have not tried it yet, fearing that this will not work either. now talking, magnesium, omegas, msm and iodine. Hope this subscides for all of us .

No, the neurologists didn´t suggest any treatment. The twitching has been very present, lately though when I was with the neurologists none were present . i might try bioidentical progesterone.

My legs feel shaky and so does the rest of my body.

when I showed the neurologist my kinestic tremor, he could hardly see it.

so no answers but very , frustrating . Let us know how you do.

keep us posted. I feel the bubbling in legs as well as twiching and tremors.

Hi Anita,

Good to have an update from you, although I'm sorry it's been so rough.

It's good news that a second neurologist said there's no sign of something bad, and also very good that you saw a hormone specialist! I've been intending to look for a hormone specialist as well because it seems so many things about my health have really gone haywire even though I still get my period. (I'm almost 50 and my periods have been unsteady.) Here in Toronto I can't get my doctor to send me to someone who is covered by OHIP who gives bioidentical hormones; there are only private clinics where you have to pay thousands of dollars for the visits and the creams and the follow-up visits, so I'm hesitant. What kind of clinic did you go to?

I think it might be a good idea to try the biodentical progestin and see how that goes. If you do try it, I hope it really helps. Please keep us posted!

Warmly,

Stella

I've been quite the human test subject these days - countless blood draws and still looking. They just tested my hormone levels, kidney function, as well as tests for autoimmune diseases, cancer, infections and the like. Waiting for a neuro appointment and the blood results.

Oh my goodness! That sounds like a lot of testing! It's good to get everything checked out. I hope everything goes well, angievon . Please keep us posted. All the best.

keep us posted! and take care

Hello Stella,

was wondering how you were holding up . I´m still the same

Hi Anita,

About a month ago I started taking saffron supplements and somehow the twitching and jerks seem to have calmed down quite a bit. It could be a coincidence, but I do have a feeling the saffron supplements had a role. I got them from Healthy Planet. I still have mild twitches and pain, but not like before. Do you think you might be able to give saffron a try? I hope you find some relief very soon. Thanks so much for touching base, Anita!

It seems like my body has been hijacked by something - I have no idea if it's a disease or just hormones gone crazy. I've been experiencing:

Muscle twitching

Extreme fatigue

Loss of appetite

Nausea

Weight loss

Constipation

Ringing in ears

Anxiety

Night sweats

Itching

My life has been put on hold, mostly laid up at home. My blood work has come back normal - with the exception of possible positive for autoimmune. I just did another hormone blood panel... we'll see if anything comes up there. I'm feeling a bit helpless.

angievon.,,Do you get jerky movements..? i also get ringing in the ear.,Fun times...ugh.,!!!

Yes, especially during sleep and rest.

Hi Stella,

How are you doing? I'm still the same, the twitching seems to be a little less intense, but still there. The inner shaking and weakness feel in legs is present, yet i'm able to keep up with all my physical activities and do weights .

I've been taking so many supplements I wanted to wait and see before adding something else .

who told you about the saffron supplements?

How is everyone else doing??

Hi Anita,

I've been doing better lately. The twitching has really calmed down, with only occasional mild twitches, and very occasional mild jerks of a shoulder or arm. Many of the strange nerve sensations seem to have calmed quite a lot, but not entirely.

I am still taking the saffron every day. No one told me about it -- I was researching things that help with brain transmitter actions, GABA receptors, anti-depressants as treatment for nerve disorders, and came upon an article on saffron's effectiveness as an anti-depressant, which led me to more research, and I don't remember all the details but I had a hunch the saffron might help.

I totally understand about taking many supplements and wanting to first keep track of what seems to have an effect before adding anything new. If you are ever inclined, I do hope you'll try the saffron and see if it helps.

I don't know how long this improvement will last but of course I am hoping for the best. I hope things get much better for you very soon, Anita. Please stay connected -- and I will too. Warmest regards.

Dear Stella,

Thank you so much for your reply!!!

Is there a specific bran of saffron your taking?

Also what is your dosage?

I will try it as soon as you send me the info . When you say calmed down, how frequent are they now a day? Are you doing CBT? Therapy to help with anxiety?

Warmest regards to you .

Anita

Hi Anita,

I'm taking this one:

Back in moment.

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Hi again Anita,

I just posted a reply with a link to the brand, but it says "message waiting to be moderated," so it might not be posted. Here's the info:

Brand is AOR. The product is Saffron Veggie Caps. Each capsule contains 15 mg of saffron. I take 1 or 2 capsules per day. (One in late morning, and then if I remember, another in the early evening.) Most of the studies I read about used 30 mg per day, as this bottle suggests as well. It took several weeks for me to notice an effect. I started just feeling better in a way that's hard to explain; even though I still had muscle pain and all the other symptoms, I somehow didn't mind as much, and then in the days/weeks that followed, the twitching mostly stopped.

I did CBT a couple of years ago when I developed a severe facial neuralgia on the left side of my jaw/tongue/ear, which has now subsided quite a bit so it's just mild 24/7 instead of peaking to terrible levels like before. (For this pain I take the lowest-dose nortriptyline and clonazepam -- it's the only combination that helped alleviate the pain. Been taking it for about 2 years.) This winter the pain has been the mildest I've had it since it started. Not sure if there's a connection there with the saffron as well, but I suspect maybe not.

I don't seem to have noticeable twitching more almost the entire day now. It's just a very mild sensation of something twitching to a barely noticeable degree in my calves for maybe 15 minutes here and there on some days, and some days nothing at all. (In fact yesterday and today I noticed it a bit; for many weeks prior to that, I didn't notice it at all.) Also in the past few days very mild jerks of my hands (or thumbs?) maybe 2 times a day. Nothing like it was before. (In this moment as I type this I feel like I'm noticing it more though it's still mild. I think because I'm concentrating on it. I'm also noticing a slight tingling of my inner left calf, which was almost constant before.)

I'm hoping it doesn't come back. If the improvement is due to the saffron, I hope the effect doesn't wear off! I still wonder sometimes if maybe I have some kind of fibromyalgia (which is also associated with twitching) and maybe a "flare" has mostly passed.

Please let us know if you try. Oh I really hope it helps! Warm regards to you too.

Thank you immensely, Stella. Going to try it as of today!!!Warmest regards, to you . Anita

My pleasure, Anita! I really hope it helps.

Incidentally, I've been feeling the twitchiness a bit more today, but hopefully this will subside very soon.

Keep us posted! 😃

Dear Stella,

Thank you, I bought the saffron and started using it yesterday . I hope all this subsides soon .

All the best,

Anita

hi Stella,

Long time no hear. How are you doing? I'm still twitching . went to see a 3rd neurologist yesterday, and he isn't concerned . Are you still taking the Saffron? I did take one bottle of saffron without much change. Going out of my mind.

Hi Angievon, I can relate to all of your symptoms except constipation and loss of appetite. I have had the opposite of those diarrhea and binge eating. I just want you to know youre not alone Im going on 3-4yrs postmenopause and it is so scary with every new symptom. I also suffer from prickly skin (crawling sensations), electric shocks which are painful in my head. I have seen a neurologist on several occasions about my head and muscle twitching but it's to no avail my brain scan is normal, so I am so glad I have come across this forum and people like you and others are sharing experiences. It is a blessing to know you are not alone in this and we can help each other by posting updates for each other. Praying for all who are on this forum that symptoms will leave our bodies in Jesus name.

Have you had your thyroid checked? Could be hyperthyroidism. Also consider getting your adrenal/cortisol levels checked if you haven't already. The last thing I could think of would be Lyme disease or parasites. I hope you find some answers!

Hi Anita,

I have similar problem with my right eye twitching and sometimes in my right hand. Im 44 and a hormonal mess. Have you found any answers?

Hi Angievon,

I have all of the symptoms you have mentioned also. Have you found any answers or have any symptoms subsided? I am 44 and this is so miserable.

Hello Shelly,

I'm 50 and been going through this for close to 2 1/2 years . I've seen three neurologists with no answers. I take supplements and try to get more sleep . How long has this been going on?