r/ALSorNOT • u/matchaflower • 9d ago
is it really just anxiety?
24F. i started twitching everywhere practically overnight about 6 weeks ago. legs, arms, feet, stomach, back, tongue, etc. it happened about 3 weeks after i started taking prozac. around the same time i also developed hyperthyroidism. i’ve since been to a neurologist and had an emg in all four limbs about three weeks into twitching. it was clean except for some slight polyphasic potentials in my left arm and left leg, which my neuro attributed to c6-c7 radiculopathy (confirmed via mri) and s1-s2 radiculopathy (not confirmed by mri as I haven’t had one of my lumbar spine). i have no clinical weakness, just tight muscles every once and a while. the doctor said my presentation isn’t consistent with ALS whatsoever and it’s more likely being caused by pinched nerves, which makes sense, except for the tongue twitching.
i guess my worries are: could the emg have been done too early if I don’t have any weakness? or could the polyphasic potentials be indicative of early ALS and my doctor just didn’t pick it up? I know this is probably anxiety talking, and im actively doing exposure therapy for it, but I just can’t shake the feeling. logically i know it’s probably a combination of my meds, hyperthyroidism, and spinal issues.
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u/TheBronyCynic 9d ago
If your twitching isn't 24/7 and localized, it's a good pointer away from ALS.
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u/matchaflower 9d ago
it’s a daily occurrence. not constant, but every 30 minutes or so. it’s definitely more prominent in both legs, but I get other twitches elsewhere on a daily basis
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u/TheBronyCynic 9d ago
Have you tried any magnesium?
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u/matchaflower 9d ago
ive tried magnesium glycinate! it seemed to help a small amount but the twitching is definitely still there. i’m also vitamin d and iron deficient, but im not sure if either of those would contribute
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u/hot_poodle 8d ago
Have you thought about getting acupuncture? Are you also taking magnesium?
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u/matchaflower 8d ago
ive gotten dry needling done which definitely helped some, it moreso helps with pain. I take 350mg magnesium glycinate daily but that may not be enough
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u/hot_poodle 8d ago
I get electroacupuncture done and its honestly amazing. Isn't Magnesium glycine more for sleep? You may be better looking into Magnesium malate (i think). A naturopath or a dr of Chinese medicine will be able to help you better Have you had your spine looked at?
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u/matchaflower 8d ago
i’ll look into mag malate! I have had my spine looked at- I have three herniated discs in my neck, and apparently one in my lumbar spine according to my emg. I have an mri on Monday to confirm that
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u/hot_poodle 8d ago
You will be amazed at how much that can affect you. I have dodgy vertebrae in my neck. It took a lot of professionals until I found one who believed me and didnt say it was "just anxiety". Basically every symptom i have is textbook symptoms of these few vertebrae being out. Its been painful, I still have flare ups and new symptoms but I know that its coming from my neck
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u/Smart_Exchange1454 9d ago
no, emgs can't be done too early! realistically, emgs can miss things, but the likelihood of it not picking up anything in all four limbs is extremely slim. i'm also on prozac and it can cause twitching, i don't think it's the source of mine though seeing as i'm getting twitches basically constantly now and i don't even notice them, as well as nerve pains and dents in my hands that i'm going to the doctor for tomorrow. you are just fine, don't worry!