Dr. Hitesh Kumar
Neurology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I received the Novavax clinical trial COVID vaccine two months back. A few days later, I woke up, and my arms fell asleep. Well, shortly after that, muscle twitches started in my arm, then lower arm, hands, calves, thighs, lower back, and cheeks below my ear. They happen sporadically throughout the day. Some days are better than others. I did see a neurologist, and he did an EMG. I have attached a copy but did not really go in-depth about the results. Can you please look at these and tell me what you think? Of course, the first things I worry about are MS and ALS. He said these results show, but I do not have ALS. As you can guess, I have a lot of anxiety about this. Especially since the twitching has not stopped, can you please tell me if this EMG rules out ALS or not and if it was too soon to do the test?
Thank you very much.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I would like to know some further detail about your symptoms:
1. The muscle twitches at mentioned body parts happen simultaneously or occur at a different location at different timings?
2. Are these twitching increasing with time, or is it the same or decreasing with time?
3. Are these twitches visible by eyes or only felt inside by you?
4. Have you noticed any factor or situation aggravating it?
5. Do you have any limb weakness (decrease in the power of some action) or thinning limb?
6. Have you undergone any MRI scans of the brain or spine? If yes, please send it here as an attachment.
7. Do you have heart palpitation along with twitchings?
8. How is your sleep commonly?
- How long time it takes to get sleepy after lying in bed?
- Once sleepy, do you have a sound sleep? Or have frequent awakenings?
9. How is your mood commonly? Happy or sad or worried?
10. Are you already on any medicines? If yes, please tell their names, doses, and timings.
Investigations to be done
Differential diagnosis
Treatment plan
Regarding follow up
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
The twitching occurs at different times and at different locations and almost always at rest. The twitching has stayed about the same and has not increased or decreased. My fingers have been twitching, and for some reason, it seems that the twitching gets worst further into the week. I do work put every day and have not lost any power and can lift the same amount of weight. My pinky and ring finger do get numb rather often, especially when using my phone or have arms bent. The twitching is visible to the eye and on both sides of the body, mostly in my left calf. I have not noticed weakness in any muscles except my fingers occasionally. I did not have an MRI of the spine as my insurance did not cover it. Still, I did have a CT scan of the brain and upper spine that was normal. I do not have any heart palpitations. I have been sleeping terribly since this happened after the vaccine, wake up numerous times throughout the night. Also have had some night sweats. I do take testosterone every Tuesday as far as my mood seems that I am worried and angrier lately. I am on medicine, and I am on Xanax 1 mg twice a day and Testosterone 180 mg per week. I read your findings. As far as the Emg would you agree with my neurologist that this is not ALS? That is my biggest concern. This all happened after getting the first shot of the Novavax vaccine. I did not have a second done as advised by the doctor not to. I did have a blood test, and thyroid and vitamins were normal along with as well ANA cascading reflex blood test. Everything was normal. Slightly elevated CK levels, but I do work out everyday and normal Aldolase. Please advise if ALS is something to worry about.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
As per your description, it is difficult to straightway rule out ALS.
Xanax 1 mg is an anxiolytic medication.
As you do not have any clinical weakness or atrophy of any body part (as per your description), at this moment, you might not be fulfilling the criteria of ALS. Such twitchings called fasciculations can happen in many medical conditions. Also, it is difficult to say that it is related or unrelated to the vaccine, which seems unlikely.
Investigations to be done
Differential diagnosis
Treatment plan
Regarding follow up
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Neurology
Related Questions
I have muscle twitching with tingling and balance problem. Is this ALS?
I have multiple sclerosis with shortness of breathe. Could paint spray fumes be the cause?
Can copper deficiency cause short-term memory loss and paresthesia of the face?
Is multiple sclerosis hereditary?
Am I getting irritation in the leg due to cervical region injury?
I experience widespread muscle twitching with sudden tinnitus in ears. How to clear it?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
