I went to see a neurologist because my symptoms were scaring me, and I was convinced I had a neurological degenerative disease. This all started about a month ago. The neurologist did make me feel better, as he explained away most of my symptoms. He explained the sudden small muscle twitches as 'Benign fasciculation syndrome '. He said it was often associated with anxiety. He said anxiety causes it, but it also causes anxiety. I tried to stay away from Dr Google, but it has got far more noticeable in my calf muscles, and legs in general especially over the last few days. And my eyelid twitches away which is really annoying. Nobody can see this, it's all going on inside, the twitches and jerks are quite small but definitely noticeable to me. So of course I googled it, and whilst most of the time it is harmless, it can sometimes be a symptom of a ALS. I'm trying to tell myself it's just an anxiety symptoms, but I'm curious to know does anyone else have this, especially around the leg muscles?
I get restless legs all the time drive me mad
Been dealing with the same exact symptoms since just this past December, its driving me mad. I've been to the neuro too and my clinical exam was good. I have an emg in 2 weeks and the time between then and now feels like eternity. I guess once I have that done it will either confirm my fears or be the end to my worry. He wasn't even gunna do the emg he's doing it just because he knows I'm worried but technically there's no clinical reason for me to have it done he's just a nice guy. It's whatever bc I wanted it anyway but of course with all of my symptoms I'm worried it will come back positive and I'll be screwed. I notice that my worry is no matter what I do. I'm anxious about the time between then and now, I'm anxious because of my symptoms, and I'm anxious to have a test that I wanted because I'm worried about the results. Sounds crazy. But this is terrible. I feel ya.
Hi Jack!
My next move is to go to GP and basically say: "we both know Ive got health anxiety, but neurologist said one of my symptoms is BFS. I need an emg to either confirm my fears or make me feel better'"
My worry is that I'll have to fight for this, but it's encouraging to hear that you got one eventually. Are you in the USA, or U.K.? What are your other symptoms?
My worst was Globus (but as soon as the neurologist told me what it was, and gave it a name, and explained it was totally harmless, the Globus (choking sensation) went away) So I'm hopeful for both of us that once we get the 'all clear ' the symptoms will reduce. Please let me know how you get on! Thanks so much for replying.
I am brand new to any forums -- I have suffered from anxiety throughout my life but never been diagnosed except when I've had it with depression. I struggle to get out of the house at times and that has a big effect on my relationships/friendships. I think everyone thinks I'm just lazy (maybe I am!!) I have always wanted to please people but never seem to be pleased with myself!!! Enough of me.
Jojo I ihad a strange sensation in my calf muscle this week for the first time ever and I'm sure it's connected to the anxiety and lack of normal exercise etc. I often have flickering of the eyes (and floaters) because when anxiety's bad I don't sleep well and I'm certain the flickering happens when I'm very tired.
ive really allowed anxiety to ruin aspects of my life -- I wish I'd tried to get it sorted when I was younger as I'm now getting on!!! & it's worse because I allow myself to dwell on past events too much. All you younger people (well everyone really!) try to work through your anxiety with help, try not to stay indoors and take advice from professionals PLEASE -- I always thought I knew better and would get through. I've left jobs and then few months later started something new and done well til the anxiety overtook me, then I'd leave (in case they got rid of me!) then the same scenario.
I have just signed on as I left my job when I felt very anxious some time ago. I'm finding it difficult and need to go there today. I'm going on a course and getting there's a major struggle. I probably sound ridiculous!
Thank you so much for reading this and I wish you Jojo and everyone on here a good day today. I hope the flickering and calf pain starts to wane.
I hate to think of people suffering on a daily basis as I know how good life is without the anxiety. Xx
Jack4u and Jojo
do you get a weak sensation in your leg? Is it when you're not doing as much normal day to day exercise as usual?
USA. And my neuro said he wasn't concerned I didn't even have to ask for them to do it, had it come to that I would've but he knew I was worried so it's more a peace of mind thing. Other Sx besides body wide twitching? Some perceived weakness in my legs mostly which has gotten better actually, hand cramps, leg cramps, and as far as my anxiety symptoms dizziness, head pressure, headaches, vision stuff, had real bad brain fog that's not much better/gone.
Hi, not really leg weakness; I do a lot of fitness, run 2/3 times a week, cycle to work every day. So you'd think with all this talk of 'exercise being the best medicine'' I'd be totally free of anxiety! Sadly not.
I think it's BFS, there doesn't seem to be a cute; though sometimes a remission. 'Generally harmless' is quite encouraging... but still leaves me with a lot of this awful health anxiety!
Hi
Hope you are still on this forum
I very much like you have suffered from extreme anxiety for the past 35yrs!!!!
Putting up with so many bodily symptoms you would not believe, I also wish I would have tried to get the problem sorted professionaly years ago...but I did not, just put up with it. It has affected my life big time.
However I can confirm that for many months or years I have suffered with twitches in my calf and eyes ( in my calf it actually feels like popping sensation under my skin ) I have never has a proper diagnosis on this condition but as of today I still have the sensation amongst many others and just try and get on with life. Although I am seriously considering seeing if my GP can advise on my general anxiety problems.
Hope you are ok now and take care.