Arm twitching, worse when straight. Motor neuron disease?

Question

Hello doctor,

For about two weeks now, I have had a twitch in my left arm (triceps) that seems to be worse when I have my arm straight and down by the side of my body and less noticeable when I have my arm over my head and bent at the elbow. The twitch seems to be worse at times without any particular reason for it. This night I had difficulty sleeping because it was very annoying.

I used to do some resistance training before this (so it might be some type of nerve injury), but I have not experienced any pain or discomfort during exercising before the twitch began. Also, I have stopped training ever since discovering the twitch.

I am starting to worry that this might be some type of motor neuron disease, as it is not going away and it is not improving at all. I cannot visit a doctor earlier than Monday, so any advice or explanation of what this could be would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

This is acute onset localized twitches, started after strenuous activity. This seems to be physiological twitches that are occurring due to minor muscle or nerve injury. Just check for any weakness or loss of muscle mass in the region where you are developing twitches, if they are not then no need to worry. Excess consumption of coffee and smoking can cause the same so avoid excessive coffee and smoking if any is there. This is unlikely to be motor neuron disease (MND) at this age and MND will have prolonged course sometimes they are unnoticed completely.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you can try tablet Carnisure plus (Levocarnitine 250 mg, Methylcobalamin 1500 microgram and Folic acid 1.5 mg) two times a day, if you are not getting this combination then find a tablet containing Levocarnitine alone 250 or 500 mg two times a day.

If not relieved then try muscle relaxants such as capsule Myoril (Thiocolchicoside 8 mg) two times a day.

And yes, this can continue for a few weeks some times.