Connect
← Return to Does Small Fiber Neuropathy also cause muscle spasms?
Discussion
Does Small Fiber Neuropathy also cause muscle spasms?
Neuropathy | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (63)Comment receiving replies
This is an old thread, but just wanted to share that I have many of these symptoms in case anyone is still following. I have non-length dependent small fiber neuropathy confirmed by skin biopsy which was below the threshold at the hip. Symptoms started 2 years ago with a tingling sensation in one ear, followed my numbness and nerve pain in one toe. 1 year ago I developed numbness throughout my hands which persists to today. 3 months ago I began experiencing diffuse fasciculations or "muscle twitching". They started instantly like someone flipped a switch and they continue to this day. Weirdly I also have a chronic cough, but only at night. I also have constantly sweaty hands and feet and frequent constipation from the small fiber neuropathy. So far the fasciculations are characterized as benign since EMG is normal, but its so scary that the other shoe will drop one day given their association with motor neuron disease. All of my bloodwork is normal, and they cant find any underlying cause, so my case is still considered idiopathic and I am receiving no treatment. I haven't found anything that helps on my own either. I have asked about Ivig but doctors say there is no basis if they cant find any markers of immune disorders in bloodwork. If anyone is still following this, please share any treatment that has been helpful for you. Thank you.
Replies to "This is an old thread, but just wanted to share that I have many of these..."
I am currently trying a weighted blanket while I sleep. Only from the waist down. The legs and feet have benefited so far. Time will tell.
@swats005
Hello Swats,
I know you posted this comment a while ago and maybe you are not even following this discussion anymore, maybe you already found help and are better now, but what you describe is just so similar to my health issues.
My problems started after turning 50. I have been active all my life: fitness, weight training, running, skating, cycling you name it. It started with pain in my left foot, then tingling both legs, then burning calves, cramping, crippling pain- as soon as I STOP MOVING. For 3 years now I have had not a single day without pain. I have consulted every possible doctor, health carer, PT, alternative practitioners etc. My blood work is absolutely fine, completely healthy. No diabetes. I have had my blood vessels tested, spine, heart, everything.
The doctors simlpy put me down as having chronic neuropathy pain (I suppose in the US it would be called idiopathic neuropathy). Medication has not helped so far.
However, my never-giving-up spirit has made me pro-actively search for answers. To find a proper diagnosis is real detective work. It took me tons of perserverence, energy and money to find a few clues. So far, I know that I have suffered major mercury poisoning (lab tested), I have MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome) and I have tested muscular hypertonia (EMG) which suggests I have spasticity due to an upper motor neuron disorder. That could explain why the more I move the more pain I have at rest and the terribke cramp attacks, but it is very difficult to diagnose.
As John has mentioned there can be many reasons for muscle cramping from a simple lack of electrolytes to a more severe condition such as UMD or mitochondrial disorders.
All I want to say here is: even if there seems to be no hope left, keep trying! Look into every box available you can find to get some answers! Collect all thosr puzzle pieces to help you get the full picture. That is what I am trying to do. And maybe, just maybe, someday I will find solutions.
Good luck to you!
Connect
I have poly neuropathy and leg spasms at night that last between half an hour and 5 or 6 hours (in one or both legs). Thankfully not every night. I take B vitamins, magnesium and CBD oil and put Voltaren cream on the most painful parts of the leg before going to sleep. Well, if I DO sleep. Hope this helps!