HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Involuntary Spasms All Over Body?

default
Posted on Fri, 13 Feb 2015
Question: I am 73 years old and now have mild ET which manifests itself in hand shaking....It is not really that debilitating....However recently while watching a TV program involving very unfair torture (southern slavery) I found my whole body convulsing somewhat....I could not finish watching the TV....It was difficult to sleep for several hours after this....In the morning I was more shaky than usual....I then took a long stressful plane trip and when I checked my pulse I found my heartbeat to be very irregular....Do you have any thoughts on what might be going on here?....PS....I did have some childhood trauma when my father took me to the woodshed on occasion
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Varying anxiety, and insomnia responsible. Need relaxation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Whole body convulsing could be due to anxiety and it could have increased in morning due to disturbed sleep and resultant stress. The whole stress could have been compounded by your childhood trauma (possible similar unfair torture on TV).
2. Associated insomnia, anxiety and stress could have caused irregular heart beats. This would have presented with possible supraventricular tachycardia.

You will need to relax and sleep well. Counseling maybe necessary, if anxiety persists. It was long time back and needs to be let go, rather than remembered through. Remembering the good things could help you.

As you have been referred to a cardiologist, getting a opinion is good. I do not expect, any conduction anomalies or structural anomalies to be found.

Stay healthy.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Involuntary Spasms All Over Body?

Brief Answer: Varying anxiety, and insomnia responsible. Need relaxation. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows: 1. Whole body convulsing could be due to anxiety and it could have increased in morning due to disturbed sleep and resultant stress. The whole stress could have been compounded by your childhood trauma (possible similar unfair torture on TV). 2. Associated insomnia, anxiety and stress could have caused irregular heart beats. This would have presented with possible supraventricular tachycardia. You will need to relax and sleep well. Counseling maybe necessary, if anxiety persists. It was long time back and needs to be let go, rather than remembered through. Remembering the good things could help you. As you have been referred to a cardiologist, getting a opinion is good. I do not expect, any conduction anomalies or structural anomalies to be found. Stay healthy. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again. Dr. Prakash HM