1. < Brain & Nervous System

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?

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michelle1000 | @michelle1000 | May 5, 2023

Has anyone tried cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxant) at bed time? I added that as well every other night to my supplement changes (as noted in my last comment post on April 21st). I also believe the extra potassium in the electrolyte tablet is helping.

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fela0218 | @fela0218 | May 5, 2023
In reply to @bpaul "I appreciate the comments on this thread as it has helped me put into perspective what..." + (show)
@bpaul

I appreciate the comments on this thread as it has helped me put into perspective what I've been going through.
Compared to many on this site, my symptoms are fairly mild but they are enough to sometimes disrupt my sleep and are generally an annoyance during the day. My research into the condition has led me to the following conclusions: the chances that fasciculations are an indication of a serious neurological condition such as ALS is extremely small, so small that it is not worth worrying about. There seems to be an almost infinite number of causes for it. I am exploring some of the possible causes relating to diet, vaccines, physical conditions such as sciatica (which I have had and can apparently affect nerves throughout the body, not just the legs and back), a thyroid imbalance, and a number of others. If I figure out what the cause of my fasciculations is I will be sure to post it here as it may help somebody. But I am also prepared for what many on this site have found: that there is no clear cause for the condition and you just have to do the best you can to live with it.

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So any results or answers?

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twitchy | @twitchy | May 10, 2023
In reply to @mwest602 "I've had BFS with cramps for almost four years. Saw primary doc, endocrinologist, and neurologist for..." + (show)
@mwest602

I've had BFS with cramps for almost four years. Saw primary doc, endocrinologist, and neurologist for two and half years. Finally got referred to a neurologist that specializes in neuromuscular disorders. They tested me for ALS because I had a lot of symptoms. He confirmed it was not ALS and diagnosed me with BFS. I take Kepra, gabapentin, and baclofen. Almost maxed out on all of them before I finally started getting some relief. Most nights are good with no severe cramps. But, I do still have nights when I can't sleep at all because as soon as I relax, I cramp. You should insist on seeing a specialist in neuromuscular. The symptoms of BFS are the same as ALS. You need to ensure you don't have ALS.

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I’ve had continuous muscle nerve twitches for the last 4 1/2 years…. Walk 4 miles a day and do resistance training 3 times a week… they started randomly all over usually only one twitch and done but sometimes will twitch for a few seconds…. Never when I start moving always when I’m stationary sitting or laying down…. Never interferes with sleep but is constant and annoying…. Had mri etc…. Absolutely no muscle weakness or cramps…. Just nerve wracking twitches that people say just forget about it…. I’m glad there are people out there that are experiencing the same thing and understand the impact that it had

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2 replies
fela0218 | @fela0218 | May 11, 2023
In reply to @twitchy "I’ve had continuous muscle nerve twitches for the last 4 1/2 years…. Walk 4 miles a..." + (show)
@twitchy

I’ve had continuous muscle nerve twitches for the last 4 1/2 years…. Walk 4 miles a day and do resistance training 3 times a week… they started randomly all over usually only one twitch and done but sometimes will twitch for a few seconds…. Never when I start moving always when I’m stationary sitting or laying down…. Never interferes with sleep but is constant and annoying…. Had mri etc…. Absolutely no muscle weakness or cramps…. Just nerve wracking twitches that people say just forget about it…. I’m glad there are people out there that are experiencing the same thing and understand the impact that it had

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Same here im having a head mri Monday. I get mine mainly in my calves more my left.

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bramhamants | @bramhamants | May 12, 2023

Recently been diagnosed with BFS and struggling with it .Every weak there seems to be another issue with it as the twitching as become worse and now getting muscle pain , is this the norm ? Just looking for answers as it is now getting me down and this only aggravates it , any info would be appreciated many thanks

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1 reply
fela0218 | @fela0218 | May 13, 2023
In reply to @bramhamants "Recently been diagnosed with BFS and struggling with it .Every weak there seems to be another..." + (show)
@bramhamants

Recently been diagnosed with BFS and struggling with it .Every weak there seems to be another issue with it as the twitching as become worse and now getting muscle pain , is this the norm ? Just looking for answers as it is now getting me down and this only aggravates it , any info would be appreciated many thanks

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I know how you feel

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1 reply
rcathey17 | @rcathey17 | May 14, 2023

Try vitamin B 12. Should help with fasciculations. It helps me but sometimes comes back in my calves. Also muscle relaxers at bedtime for sleep. I Happy Anniversary! In my tongue and also have dysplasia where i can’t swallow without aspiration. All after COVID. Good luck and let me know how it goes. .

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rcathey17 | @rcathey17 | May 14, 2023

Ignore Happy Anniversary! Stupid phone.

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twitchy | @twitchy | May 15, 2023
In reply to @fela0218 "I know how you feel" + (show)
@fela0218

I know how you feel

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I’ve had bfs for well over 4 years….. I’ve read its symptoms can manifest in different ways…. As long as you don’t have muscle weakness or wasting or spasticity what you’re experiencing is normal for your BFS

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1 reply
fela0218 | @fela0218 | May 16, 2023
In reply to @twitchy "I’ve had bfs for well over 4 years….. I’ve read its symptoms can manifest in different..." + (show)
@twitchy

I’ve had bfs for well over 4 years….. I’ve read its symptoms can manifest in different ways…. As long as you don’t have muscle weakness or wasting or spasticity what you’re experiencing is normal for your BFS

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MRI yesterday of brain was normal. Thank God...no weakness, no loss of muscle...must be stress and anxiety. I also get these weird buzzing feelings around my eyebrows and mouth sometimes. So weird.

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