What Causes Cramps In Palms, Twitching Of Eyelids And Lips?

Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015

Question: few months back I had my upper (right) eye lid twitche that lasted for two weeks. It disappeared and then again I noticed eye lid twitch after few weeks. this time I can see the eyelid twitch occurring almost for both eyes, upper and lower eye lid ( on and off). I began to freak out. after two or three days, my upper lip also twitched. after few more days, I could feel minor fasciculation on and off- on my thigh, near ankle, back of shoulder and between elbow for few seconds, specially when i am sitting or laying still. When I am walking, I don't feel anything like that. I also felt internal vibration and tremor and burning like sensations for few days when I was sitting still. I went to see a doctor and took a blood test. It was normal and Doctor ask me to sleep properly and suggested me to take Melatonin and told me this is due to anxiety. I am not sure Melatonin is useful, as I am sleeping ok I feel. I am getting cramps on my palm sometimes when I was sleeping and fasciculation still occurs, I feel I am palpitating or something is throbbing inside me. I don't have any pain. I am very worried and panic, Kindly tell me whom should I consult or what test should I do.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Neurophysician would be a good choice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

Based on your description you are having fasciculation. The conditions that need to be ruled out are Chronic motor neuron disease ,Peripheral neuropathy, Syringomyelia or Syringobulbia. However when fasciculation is present in the absence of muscular wasting (which seems like in your case) it is known as 'benign fasciculation'.

Benign fasciculations are commonly seen in anxiety and fatigue states. It is often evident in thenar eminences, thighs or orbicularis oculi (myokymia) muscles. If you aren't satisfied with your previous doctor's evaluation, perhaps you should see a neurophysician. He/she will test for weakness and wasting before conducting test to rule out aforementioned conditions.

Until then it is advisable not to panic and rest your anxiety. It is good if you are sleeping well. Continue to have a good sleep. Drink plenty of fluids along with fruits and vegetables.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (2 days later)

Thank you Doctor Saheb. Since last two three days I did't noticed any fasciculation's as such, though I feel tired, not motivated and shaken. I don't have any problem driving or doing day to day activities but I feel that something has taken toll on my body. I do get cramps in my palm almost every night.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hand cramps could be managed by Vitamin D

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

Hand cramps may be due to low calcium level. Go for blood tests like serum 25 (OH) Vit D level and serum calcium and let me know the reports.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Hit thanks if it helps

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj