I have uncontrollable muscle jerks paired with forceful exhalations. What could it be?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have uncontrollable muscle jerks starting from my abdomen, down to my leg flexors, paired with forceful exhalations. The jerks occur in one large motion, rather than individual muscle groups. It can occur as isolated jerks or for several minutes. They typically occur while in a seated or lying position. More recently, I have had small isolated jerks while standing too. Exhaustion typically increases the severity of the jerks. I have had the problem once, two years ago, when I took an antihistamine for allergy.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Myoclonic jerks can have various reasons including epilepsy, liver disease, kidney disease, neurological disorder or sometimes they can be idiopathic. At your age, epilepsy seems to be relevant, though not confirmed, without an evaluation.

Do you get jerks in your upper limbs too or vocal tics?

You will have to get evaluated clinically by a neurologist who might ask you to undergo certain tests. With that, the exact trigger which causes your jerks can be found.

Most of the times a simple pill, prescribed after a thorough examination by a neurologist, can make your symptoms go away.

Just make sure you do not self-medicate.

Take care

Revert with more information to an internal medicine physician online