Muscle Twitches and Numbness: When to Seek Neurological Help

Q: Muscle Twitches and Numbness: When to Seek Neurological Help

Hello： The condition you are concerned about, commonly known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primarily involves issues with motor neurons. <br>Motor neurons control muscle movement; generally, the motor neurons in the brain are referred to as upper motor neurons, while th

Involuntary muscle twitching and numbness or pain in the hands?

Hello Doctor, I previously experienced some soreness and weakness in my left hand, but the condition improved.
However, at the end of February, while riding my motorcycle, I twisted my left thumb quite forcefully while adjusting the rearview mirror.
I heard a popping sound in the joint at that moment, and for about 2 to 3 minutes, I had difficulty applying force.
The next day, I started to feel some pain in my left thumb, and I also noticed some soreness and numbness extending to my elbow and arm, with a bit of weakness.
The inner side of my arm, extending to my little finger and ring finger, feels tingly, and the muscle beneath my thumb is somewhat sore.
Additionally, I occasionally notice muscle twitching throughout my body, sometimes in my arm, thigh, foot, or even collarbone.
I found information online indicating that ALS patients can also experience widespread muscle twitching, which has made me quite worried.
Therefore, I came to consult with you, Doctor.
Thank you!

A He, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/06

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: The condition you are concerned about, commonly known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primarily involves issues with motor neurons.
Motor neurons control muscle movement; generally, the motor neurons in the brain are referred to as upper motor neurons, while those in the brainstem and spinal cord are called lower motor neurons.
When motor neurons become damaged, our muscles do not receive adequate nutrients and chemicals, which can lead to muscle death.
This is a chronic muscle-wasting disease that may result in muscle atrophy.
If upper motor neurons die, abnormal signal transmission can cause muscle twitching.
Clinically, diagnosis requires methods such as electromyography (EMG) and muscle biopsy.
The symptoms you mentioned, such as numbness in the inner arm extending to the little finger and ring finger, are more indicative of ulnar nerve compression.
Neurologists specializing in neuromuscular diseases are more familiar with such conditions, and I recommend consulting with one of these specialists.
Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang from Taoyuan Medical Center is concerned about you.

Reply Date: 2019/03/06

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding muscle twitches and numbness. Based on your description, it sounds like you have experienced a series of symptoms that could be related to a nerve injury or other neurological issues. Let's break down your situation and discuss when it might be appropriate to seek neurological help.

Firstly, the symptoms you describe—pain, weakness, and numbness in your left hand and arm, particularly after an injury—are concerning and warrant further evaluation. The fact that you heard a sound in your joint when you twisted your thumb suggests that there may have been some trauma to the area, potentially affecting the tendons, ligaments, or even the nerves that innervate your hand and arm.

Muscle twitches (also known as fasciculations) can occur for a variety of reasons, including muscle fatigue, stress, dehydration, or nerve irritation. While occasional twitches are often benign, persistent or widespread muscle twitching, especially when accompanied by weakness or numbness, can be indicative of more serious conditions, including nerve damage or neuromuscular disorders.

Given your symptoms, it is advisable to consult a neurologist, especially if you experience any of the following:
1. Persistent Weakness: If you continue to feel weakness in your hand or arm, or if it worsens over time.

2. Numbness or Tingling: If the numbness spreads or becomes more pronounced, particularly if it affects your ability to use your hand.

3. Muscle Atrophy: If you notice any visible muscle wasting or changes in muscle tone.

4. Changes in Coordination: If you have difficulty performing tasks that require fine motor skills or coordination.

5. Worsening Symptoms: If your symptoms progress or new symptoms develop, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing.

A neurologist can perform a thorough examination, which may include tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to assess the function of your nerves and muscles. These tests can help determine if there is any nerve damage or if the muscle twitching is related to a neuromuscular condition.

In the meantime, there are some self-care strategies you can consider:
- Rest and Ice: If your thumb or arm is painful, resting the area and applying ice can help reduce inflammation.

- Gentle Stretching: Engaging in gentle stretching exercises may help alleviate some discomfort and improve mobility.

- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those that support nerve health, such as B vitamins.

It’s understandable to feel anxious about your symptoms, especially with the information available online regarding conditions like ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). However, it’s important to remember that many conditions can cause similar symptoms, and a proper evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

In conclusion, while muscle twitches and numbness can be concerning, they are not always indicative of a severe condition. However, given your recent injury and the persistence of your symptoms, I recommend seeking a consultation with a neurologist to explore your symptoms further and receive appropriate care. Your health and well-being are paramount, and getting the right support is crucial. Thank you for sharing your concerns, and I wish you the best in your journey toward recovery!

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