Benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS)

Posted by captainanxiety8 @captainanxiety8, Mar 10, 2019

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but I'm really not sure how to interpret what's going on. I'm 40, have had random twitches now and then around my body for a few years and ignored them. Mentioned it to my Doctor last year during my annual routine health check and she said it's likely just stress and ignore it. Got sick a month ago, high fever, headache, dizziness, chills, and near constant twitching in different spots all over my body. My knees were going crazy and my biceps were twitching, I felt like my body was malfunctioning. I was also itching all over and my extremities were aching, especially in my feet and hands, but when I pressed or touched my feet or hands, there was no pain spot.

Two weeks after I got referred to a Neurologist who checked my strength, did not do any EMG or MRI, no other tests, just testing if I could physically push back or feel anything below my knees and past my elbows. He laughed and said I have benign muscular fasciculation syndrome and gave me some Xanax. I went for a second opinion and got the same diagnosis, benign muscular fasciculation, and was asked to return after a few months to check on me. The twitching is not as constant as before, but it's still happening, arms, lower and upper legs, knees, neck, shoulder, chest, they last a few seconds and stop. I can't sleep, the itching and the twitching wakes me up at night. The twitching does not go away when I move the muscle, it keeps twitching. Has anyone else ever had anything like this? If so, how or did it resolve?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain & Nervous System Support Group.

fela0218 | @fela0218 | Nov 7 11:09am

I have tightness but not fatigue...I wouldn't call it stiffness though...

vivipap20 | @vivipap20 | Nov 7 12:40pm

In reply to @fela0218 "I have tightness but not fatigue...I wouldn't call it stiffness though..." + (show)

My husband gets stiffness on and off however his legs ( below knees) get very very fatigue after playing soccer or long walks ( not even that long ) . He is 54 . I am concerned . EMG was normal . Are you over 50 ?

fela0218 | @fela0218 | Nov 7 2:12pm

In reply to @vivipap20 "My husband gets stiffness on and off however his legs ( below knees) get very very..." + (show)

I get that sometimes too. But I feel like that can stem from back issues too..the older we get we should be doing lots of stretching. My thoughts anyways. Im 42. My emg was normal and it's the best test to rule put neuro issues.

dbchip | @dbchip | Nov 8 5:06am

If the EMG is normal then you are fine. I have had the same twitches as you have had for almost 20 years on and off. Developed Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy in both my feet three years ago. I have BFS and asked if my neuropathy was related to it. My neurologist said could be, but not likely I’m convinced they are related. The twitching is Irritating like a runny nose, but the neuropathy is terrible.

kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | Nov 8 10:28am

Had any of your physicians discussed having a SpectraCell lab study? This a blood test that will analyze your blood at the cellular level. It examines 31 eseential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to pinpoint potential deficiencies and assess functional status. Twitches and spasms could also be caused by nutritional deficiencies.
Not covered by insurance, I do believe.....but might be something someone would want to look into. I had it done many years ago...the results were amazing to see how well or not so well your body is utilizing nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

fela0218 | @fela0218 | Nov 8 11:08am

In reply to @kndaustin71 "Had any of your physicians discussed having a SpectraCell lab study? This a blood test that..." + (show)

Wow never heard of that! Thank you!

vivipap20 | @vivipap20 | 4 days ago

In reply to @fela0218 "I get that sometimes too. But I feel like that can stem from back issues too..the..." + (show)

Thanks so much . His muscle fatigue sometimes is very worrisome . The other day he went to the beach and he has to come out because he couldn’t stand the fatigue in his legs , they I saw his quads with fascicualtions but they went away rather quick . His EMG was normal and was a month after that incident . It is very strange . We have a follow up tomorrow .