Drank Alcohol. Started Twitching In Calf And Thigh Along With Stomach. What To Do?

Hi and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your question.

Twitching of muscles in your legs and abdomen could be because of dehydration or electrolyte /salt imblance (i.e. sodium, potassium, etc.) This is more likely when excessive quantities of alcohol is consumed. Alcohol is a diuretic (i.e. increases excretion of water) and hence can cause both dehydration and salt loss / imbalance.

Secondly, though you may be having drink-free breaks inbetween, still the quantity of your alcohol consumption definitely exceeds the maximum permissable levels and can cause a variety of adverse health consequences, including effects on your nervous (which could also be a cause for your twitching).

So, I would advise you to cut down on your drinking and also avoid large binges. You should also keep yourself adequately hydrated and take food at regular intervals. (Large quantities of alcohol can prevent the absorption of essential nutrients from your stomach and intestines, thereby resulting in certain vitamin deficiencies also) If you are drinking more because of your knee pain, then I would suggest that you consult a doctor and take appropriate anti-inflamatory and pain-relieving medication.

If you feel that you are finding it difficult to cut down or control your drinking, then please don't hesitate to seek professional help.

Wish you all the best.

- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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Hi again and thanks for writing in.

I'm sorry to hear that your symptoms are still persisting.
Withdrawal symptoms are likely if you have stopped or abruptly reduced the quantity of your drinking. Common symptoms of withdrawal are tremors, difficulty in sleeping, headache, sweating, palpitations, anxiety, restlessness, etc. Muscle twitches and sometimes even seizures can also occur in withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can easily be managed with medication, which is usually given for just a few days and then tapered down and stopped.

I suggest that you get yourself examined by a doctor and if necessary, have some blood tests done. If you have signs of withdrawal then the doctor would start you on appropriate medication to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. If there is any other abnormality found in your tests (like electrolyte imbalance, etc.), then that needs correction as well. Keep yourself well hydrated and drink lots of fresh fruit juices. In the future, you need to control your drinking in order to prevent similar complications from happening again.

Take care and wish you a speedy tecovery.

- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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Hi again and thanks for writing in.

Having alcohol withdrawal does not mean that you are not allowed to drink again. "Withdrawal" basically indicates that since your bodily systems have gotten used to continuous levels of the chemical (alcohol) for a long period of time, when it is suddenly stopped (i.e. 'withdrawn' from the system), it results in adverse effects. The severity of these adverse effects depends on the amount and frequency of drinking. The more the alcohol consumption, the more will be the withdrawal effects. Medication is given when the withdrawal effects are severe and to help you have a comfortable withdrawal phase.

In your case, you should be cautious about restarting drinking because you seem to have a tendency to drink heavily and regularly, So, if at any time, you find it difficult to control your 'urge' to drink heavily or continuously, please don't hesitate to seek professional help. There are medication which can help you even control this 'urge' or 'craving' and there are a lot of psychological techniques to help you prevent a relapse.

Wish you all the best.

- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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Hello again and thanks for writing in.

I'm sorry to hear that you are not doing well. Since you are developing multipe problems, I would advise you to undergo a complete physical examination and lab investigations. The new problem which you have developed, i.e. the 'rocking' sensation may be indicative of a nervous problem (excessive amounts of alcohol can affect the nerves - called a 'neuropathy' and can cause dizziness, imbalance / swaying sensation, etc. ) Sometimes, this sensation could be felt is you have a ear problem also (since the body's balancing sensors are within the ear). So, in order to find out the exact cause, you need a complete physical examination (including examination of your nervous system and an ENT examination), as well as certain lab tests. Please do not hesitate to get this done at the earliest, so as to prevent further complications.

Wish you all the best.

- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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Hi again and thanks for writing in.

It's good that you have booked an appointment for a check up as it seems essential in your case. It is best to start treatment after a proper evaluation and ascertaining the exact cause for your problem. In the meantime, take adequate rest, avoid physical and mental stress, drink plenty of fluids, have a nutritious diet and if possible, take some multivitamin supplements as well. Please do stay off alcohol as it may complicate your problems further.

Wish you all the best.

Kindly close this query if you have no further questions.

- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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Hi again and thanks for writing in.

I understand that it can be very frustrating to stay indoors ans well as not do any physical activity for a long time. It could be making you feel depressed and stressed out as well as physically dull and lethargic. But it is unlikely to be the entire cause of your physical symptoms like muscle twitches, swaying sensation, etc.

Anyway, if you are finding it very frustrating to simply be sitting at home, you can try keeping yourself occupied with some indoor activities or entertainment. Maybe, you could invite your friends over or something like that...

Did you manage to see your doctor and have a physical examination or any investigations done?

- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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Hello again,

Thanks for writing in. It's good that you were able to see a doctor and have an assessment done. I hope you have been started on some medication for the high blood pressure. I would advise that you go next week for a review, have your blood pressure re-checked and complete all the tests that you have been advised. I hope you have also been given some vitamin supplements. If not, you can take some over-the-counter multi-vitamin supplements. Though you have to give adequate rest for the injured knee, it is better not to keep lying down all the time as it may stagnate your blood circulation. Moving your feet or changing your position frequently can help in preventing this. I hope you are staying off alcohol and are keeping yourself relaxed.

Best wishes,
- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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