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What Causes Involuntary Movement Of Arms?

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Posted on Tue, 10 Feb 2015
Question: Well, we'll see if you can. Just recently, I have found myself acting out the hand gestures that I am dreaming and some times awake with my arms in the air either pulling at something or making movements of stroking. I also have noticed much more muscle cramping and "locking" into place. For instance, when I extend one of my arms (or it could be a leg) a muscle will cramp and I have a hard time recovering. I've always had a "twitching" problem since I was little...I am now 64. Do you believe it a vitamin deficiencyThe medications I've been on: Neubematone 500 mg @ P.M., (was talking Skelaxin) now taking Tizanidine 4 mg @ P.M. I also take MS Contin 60 mg 2/day for the back pain. I'm very tired and feel like I need a vitamin "booster."
? Thanks! XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Periodic limb movement disorder should be assessed

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Your is really a interesting case.

There is a sleep disorder that occurs in adults and manifests with approximately same symptoms as yours. (Periodic limb movement disorder).

Mostly in women, the presence of musculoskeletal disease, obstructive sleep apnea, doing physical activities close to bedtime, these conditions are related to this sleep disorder.

Another condition associated with this disorder is Parkinson's disease.

Muscle cramps may be related to vitamin deficiency and microelements dysbalance in blood, but uncontrolled movements are not related to it.

This is not the case of fibromyalgia and is not related to disc herniation.

In my opinion, you need to consult a Neurologist, discuss your concerns, further tests needed in order to obtain a correct diagnosis and treatment possibilities.

Tests include vitamin B levels, electrolytes.

You should be assessed for Parkinson's disease too.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (54 minutes later)
I have been going to Pain Management and a discogram was performed on me. The doctor plans on performing a discectomy of my lumbar discs. However, I STILL believe that there is something neurologically that has been kinda in a "holding pattern" in my system. As I said, I've had the twitching since I was very young. I get increased periods of it, then it will subside for awhile, but now it appears to be involving the bigger muscles. When I get a cramp in my calf, thigh or inner foot...it can be VERY painful. And my fingers locking seems to be a new symptom of late. I always thought it might be magnesium or manganese, but those levels seem to be fine. I have taken Vitamin B12 and that does perk me up. Thank you for your insight as I do not fully agree with the "fibromyalgia" diagnosis. Regards, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Electrolyte levels should be checked.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for asking back.

Discectomy should relieve backache and leg pain related to nerve compression.

Twitches and muscle cramps have other underlying causes like electrolyte dysbalance, neuropathy.

Improvement after vitamin B12 use is more in favor to neuropathy.

Nerve conduction study (ENMG), electrolyte levels and vitamin B12 level should be assessed.

Hope this helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4502 Questions

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What Causes Involuntary Movement Of Arms?

Brief Answer: Periodic limb movement disorder should be assessed Detailed Answer: Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. Your is really a interesting case. There is a sleep disorder that occurs in adults and manifests with approximately same symptoms as yours. (Periodic limb movement disorder). Mostly in women, the presence of musculoskeletal disease, obstructive sleep apnea, doing physical activities close to bedtime, these conditions are related to this sleep disorder. Another condition associated with this disorder is Parkinson's disease. Muscle cramps may be related to vitamin deficiency and microelements dysbalance in blood, but uncontrolled movements are not related to it. This is not the case of fibromyalgia and is not related to disc herniation. In my opinion, you need to consult a Neurologist, discuss your concerns, further tests needed in order to obtain a correct diagnosis and treatment possibilities. Tests include vitamin B levels, electrolytes. You should be assessed for Parkinson's disease too. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.