Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have burning sensations throughout my body, including my feet, back, and arms. Muscle twitching for ten days so far in almost every area of the body. My muscle jerks at night as I fall asleep. I am concerned if this is ALS.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern and would explain that sensory symptoms like burning sensation are not signs of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), so we can completely exclude ALS in your situation. I suggest checking vitamin B12, D, and thyroid hormone levels for possible deficiency. I also recommend avoiding caffeine intake and taking plenty of water to stay well hydrated. Magnesium supplements can help improve your situation. I hope I have cleared your doubts.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor, Thank you for the reply.
My vitamin B12 is good, but my vitamin D was low at 18 IU. I have had to twitch over my body. I have been taking vitamin D supplements for two weeks now. I do not have any muscle weakness, but does twitching and jerking at night mean I am developing ALS? It also hurts when I press on my cervical neck area.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Your symptoms are not related to ALS. Considering the neck pain, I recommend performing a cervical spine MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in order to exclude a possible disc herniation in the region, which could be responsible for this clinical situation. I would suggest taking vitamin D to improve your situation, and magnesium supplements of 300 to 500 mg daily can help.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have been jerking my hands or legs when I try to fall asleep. Is this a symptom of ALS?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
This could be Benign fasciculation syndrome. Magnesium supplements and vitamin D will help improve the situation. I do not think that this is ALS. If these symptoms persist, I suggest starting low-dose Clonazepam (Docusate sodium, Lactose monohydrate, Magnesium stearate, Microcrystalline cellulose, Sodium benzoate, and Sodium starch glycolate) 0.5 mg before sleep to help improve your situation.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply. I had heard some people had these things happen even before they noticed weakness. This is what scares me.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
There is no reason to panic, as your symptoms are not typical of ALS. The presence of abnormal sensations helps us exclude ALS as this disorder affects only the motor nervous system and does not cause sensory symptoms. Benign fasciculation syndrome is a more common disorder related to emotional stress, physical stress, insomnia, caffeine intake. Anxiety plays an important role in all these clinical situations. Clonazepam (Lactose monohydrate, Magnesium sterate) would help improve your situation. Nerve conduction studies are a test that can help exclude this disorder and put your mind at peace. You should discuss with your doctor on this test. I hope I have cleared all your doubts.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Aida Abaz Quka
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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