Benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS)

I've had the same fasculations for 3 years. They have really never completely stopped but have lessened. I had an MRI of the brain and and EMG of my legs because thats mainly where they are but I get them everywhere. Both tests normal. So to me there's nothing really to test. A brain MRI would of showed something abnormal if it was serious. And an EMG checks for serious illness like ALS. Somedays it makes me stress and get worried I just have to give it to GOD. I do exercise 4 days a week. Eat healthy and try to relax and reduce stress and anxiety but it's hard. I can accept it if its benign it just worries me if it something else. I just didn't follow up with neuro anymore when those tests were negative. Believe it or not my family doc said her working partner had the same thing and freaked out thinking it was ALS and had same I did, tests and both were negative. Its nice to know there are more of us out there that have the same issue. Im 42 now . May God Bless all of you and may he pour his love and mercy upon you to better days ahead. Have hope in the Lord.

I know it gets real frustrating not knowing what’s causing this. I had an EEG last week that was normal now the doctor wants me to see a movement specialist to get Botox in the muscles but I really don’t feel like getting these treatments if they don’t know what’s causing it. How do you feel about that?

I am a 64 year old male... still very active and overall in very good shape. I have (suffered) with (what appears t be) benign muscle fasciculations for over 10 years now. Lately getting much worse. The facilitations have increased all over my body now... continuous all day. It leads to cramping and worst of all my legs appear to randomly give out on me causing me to fall down. This happens at least once a week now. About two weeks ago I had severe facilitations in my upper right arm causing terrible pain and cramping. My arm has not recovered. The pain seems to be the most severe at night while laying down and during sleep. I have not gone to a doctor as my fear is (either) being diagnosed with something worse or just going through endless tests as others have with limited or no relief. Has anyone else experienced any of these symptoms? Years of this is both mentally and brutally difficult to handle. Thank you and I look forward to any responses or support.

I've had them for about 3 years now..mainly in legs on and off. Dont have pain or loss of muscle functions. I do get calf cramps at night but associate this with back pain, hamstring tightness and certain exercises I perform. I have had testing for these. Most importantly EMG and head MRI. These would have determined if I had critical diseases such as ALS etc...I just deal with them. Some days are better than others.

Thanks for the response. Glad to hear you do not have the pain, falling, etc. that I have.

Like you, I've had fasiculations for years-- actually more than two decades in my case. I'm 72 and am in good health. When I was about 50 I woke up one morning with twitching in both calves. I consulted a neurologist and after extensive testing he was unable to diagnose the problem. Internet searching at that time led me to the conclusion that it was likely BFS. The calf twitching occurs every few seconds and has never let up. It was initially a source of great anxiety, but after seeing the MD and with time I became used to it.
In the past few months I've experienced more extensive fasciulations, mainly in my thighs but also in my arms and hands. I had not had faciculations in these areas previously. My primary care physician was unable to find any explanation for the increase in symptoms after blood work and an overnight oximetery testing, and he referred me to a neurologist. I'm due to consult with the neurologist in early December and afterwards will report back to this forum.

Wow!! Started for me 3 years ago some days are better than others...good to know its been that long for you and all is well! I suspect they'll say its just BFS. This is more common then we think..I think its a form of anxiety ...my was health anxiety that I think started it so happy you shared your story!

Like you, I've had fasiculations for years-- actually more than two decades in my case. I'm 72 and am in good health. When I was about 50 I woke up one morning with twitching in both calves. I consulted a neurologist and after extensive testing he was unable to diagnose the problem. Internet searching at that time led me to the conclusion that it was likely BFS. The calf twitching occurs every few seconds and has never let up. It was initially a source of great anxiety, but after seeing the MD and with time I became used to it.
In the past few months I've experienced more extensive fasciulations, mainly in my thighs but also in my arms and hands. I had not had faciculations in these areas previously. My primary care physician was unable to find any explanation for the increase in symptoms after blood work and an overnight oximetery testing, and he referred me to a neurologist. I'm due to consult with the neurologist in early December and afterwards will report back to this forum.

Wow!! Started for me 3 years ago some days are better than others...good to know its been that long for you and all is well! I suspect they'll say its just BFS. This is more common then we think..I think its a form of anxiety ...my was health anxiety that I think started it so happy you shared your story!