I experience myoclonic jerks in my face, especially when startled. Why?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I would like to know some details about your symptoms. Since when you started to have "myoclonic jerks" on your face? What exactly happened in that so-called " myoclonic jerk"? Please describe it in detail:

- in which part of the face it happens?

- is location fixed or variable?

- one "myoclonic jerk" lasts for how long period?

- and how long-duration it keep on continues?

- do you have any associated pain also that time?

- is that "myoclonic jerk" visible by eyes (to others), or is it just felt inside (by yourself)?

Since when you started to have crawling sensations? And how long-duration this crawling sensation persists in one episode? Do all these symptoms happen only at the time you are going to sleep? Or such things also occur in the daytime (when you are awake and doing your day-to-day activities)? Do you have associated symptoms at that time, like a fast heartbeat or chest pain or compression over chest or breathing difficulty or feeling of choking or impending doom, etc.? If yes, please tell in detail. Do you have any other medical problems? Or taking medications? If yes, please tell details. Do you have any thinning of arm or leg and weakness in the power of hands or legs and walking difficulty while doing daily activities?

Other information:

1. How is your sleep routine? Do you get sleepy soon after lying in bed? or it takes a long time? Once got sleepy, do you have frequent awakenings during sleep? Do you feel fresh on awakening from sleep in the morning?

2. How is your usual mood in day-to-day activities? Happy or toward the sad side (thinking about past events) or toward the worried side (thinking about future things or irritable or something else)?

3. How is your appetite?

Please revert with the above-mentioned information for better understanding and further judgment. Also, send your MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and blood reports.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Ticklish in throat and stomach or crawling sensation in skin and jerks on the chin are not symptoms of ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Bulbar ALS usually presents with the problem in swallowing or voice change, or nasal regurgitation of liquids while swallowing. As you mention that you are worried much, possibly all symptoms can be anxiety-induced with intermittent panic attacks. Jerks are normal. Your thyroid profile or blood work and MRI (magnetic reso brain were also normal. It possibly seems like anxiety with panic attacks. There is no harm in getting EMG (apart from needle pain during the procedure), but EMG (electromyography) alone does not make the diagnosis of ALS. It is always mandatory for clinical correlation. I suggest you consult a psychiatrist again for modification in the doses of the medicine and also discuss adding some anti-anxiety medications too. Along with that, I suggest you start jogging in the morning for at least 30 minutes. It is a very good anti-anxiety or mood-enhancing method. Keep yourself engaged in other activities. Try to socialize with people, whom you feel connected. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and being lonely. Maintain regularity in sleep and meal timings.