What Causes Twitching All Over Body After Dog Bite?

Posted on Wed, 16 Jul 2014

Question: Had a dog bite 10 weeks ago. My whole body has been twitching, for about 7 weeks now. With the XXXXXXX on my nose being the latest part twitching. Am scared of a rabies possibility. Doctors said I don't need a vaccine since the dog was vaccinated 2 days prior the bite. Please help by responding. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Praveen G (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should have taken atleast 3 doses of ARV

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic,

As you were bit by a dog 10 weeks back after which you have developed twitching all over the body. As you a mentioned in your history that dog was vaccinated 2 days prior to the bite.

The vaccination status of the dog against rabies is very important. Vaccination is said to be complete only when the dog has given all the doses of anti rabies vaccine (Two doses of anti rabies vaccine should be given before the completion of one year and thereafter vaccine should be given every year).

You should have taken atleast three doses of anti rabies vaccine (ARV) on days 0,3 and 7 and observed the dog for 10 days.

Patient with rabies will have symptoms like fear of water (Hydrophobia), fear of air (Aerophobia), back pain, fever and headache. As you are stating that you are having generalized twitching it is not a known symptom of rabies.

I would suggest you to consult neurologist for your generalized twitching and found out the reason for this symptom.

Hope you are satisfied with this answer, if you have any further query it will be my privilege to answer them.
Thank you.

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

Follow up: Dr. Praveen G (1 hour later)

From your above answer, rabies is not a possible cause right. The dogs next vaccine date was supposed to be a year later as documented.

Answered by Dr. Praveen G (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is my pleasure to answer this query,

The symptoms are not in favor of rabies. Don't take any risk with disease like rabies as it is 100% fatal but it is 100% preventable.

In future don't be ignored regarding the available treatment for management of dog bite. Give the vaccine to your pet as per the schedule.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Praveen G (46 hours later)

How about heartburns, slight head aches, as well as feeling like my brain is pushing against my skull. I also have a lot of hiccups and slight pain in my thighs,arm and back. They don't last long tho. They come and go. i also have this bitter taste in my mouth. I sometimes feel like my mind is playing tricks on me. My nose feels funny. Feels like a sinus infection and I know those are symptoms as well.

Answered by Dr. Praveen G (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
May be a some viral infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

As your symptoms are very vague those are not suggestive of rabies. It may be due ta a viral infection and generalized myalgia.

Since it's troubling you for few days, it would be worthwhile to rule out other viral infections. You can consult your physician, he/she will know about the tests.

Thank you

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad