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What Causes Muscle Twitching All Over Body After A Bout Of Anxiety?

Posted on Mon, 27 Jul 2015

Question: Hi. i am a 40 year old male. i have had afib for 12 years. also have anxiety, health anxiety. about 6 weeks ago after a bout of anxiety associated with an afib episode i developed muscle twitching on the left side of my body. mostly left foot and calf. occasionaly left shoulder. now the twitching is still in my left foot and calf primarily but does occur in my right foot calf and my tounge and left index finger. area between thumb and forefinger. also het random twitches in my arms back butt stomach and sometimes head area. only occasional on those. i have no weakness. i am having major anxiety over possible als. also note that in the moning before getting out of bed if i flex my calves tight they cramp up.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Less likely to be amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Atrial fibrillation may be associated with palpitations and complications related to it.
Your major concern is regarding muscle twitching all over the body with fear of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. You need not worry if you have no associated weakness or muscle wasting along with fasciculations.
In some patients such findings may be due to anxiety also.
Another entity is benign fasciculations syndrome.
For muscle twitching and cramps you need to be evaluated for hyperthyroidism, decreased vitamin D3 levels or drug related side effects.
You should consult a doctor especially neurologist and undergo necessary investigations.
Take adequate fluid and some multi vitamin for cramps.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (21 minutes later)

Thank you. so if ive had twitching for almost 6 weeks in my feet and calves and can walk on my heels and toes fine along with other balance exercises then it isnt als? what about the tounge twitching? its just at the tip of my tounge. its like one jolt that pull a small area on the tip in. just as a side note last october my magnesium was 1.9 serum. is that low? you say afib can be related to als?? ive had afib for 12 years sorry i didnt mention that. im just really worried about als.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consult a neurologist and get investigation

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Magnesium levels vary with lab cut off but it doesn't seems to be low.
It will be better if you consult a neurologist who examines you properly and advice necessary investigations so as to decrease your anxiety and concerns regarding possibility of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Atrial fibrillation don't relate to Als.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (29 minutes later)

So in your opinion twitching with no weakness for 6 weeks isnt als?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Less likely

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
Yes, it's less likely.
But you should consult a neurologist as 6 weeks are short time to rule out any chronic disease.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D