Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Disorders in Teens

Similar to autonomic nervous system dysfunction?

My symptoms began in December 2019 when I experienced pain in my jaw and a clicking sound when opening my mouth.
I thought it was nothing serious, so I ignored it.
However, after catching a cold in January, my condition has worsened since then.
Initially, after that January, I developed various symptoms including abdominal pain, muscle twitching all over my body (including my eyelids, mouth, and even my face and lips), headaches, muscle pain, chest pain, neck and shoulder pain, rib pain, weakness in my limbs, lack of motivation, frequent chills and fever, poor memory, and frequent numbness in my hands and feet.
I also experienced fatigue throughout the day, which I had never experienced before.
Additionally, I felt a sense of shaking in my body, and my hands would tremble when I exerted force.
These symptoms were present daily at that time, but after a few months, they have become intermittent, with varying symptoms each day.
For example, the muscle twitching in my face has decreased significantly, but the twitching in my arms and legs is still less frequent.
Other symptoms persist.
I researched online and found that I might have intercostal neuralgia, which could explain my chest and rib pain.
I also discovered another condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which relates to the jaw symptoms I experienced in December and can lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
I suspect that I might have cervical spondylosis as well, and I wonder if these two conditions could be causing my symptoms.
However, I am still worried about ALS and brain cancer.
I am 14 years old.

Chen Da-Wen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/14

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology

Based on the described symptoms, it is recommended to consult a neurologist for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2020/10/14

More Info

Understanding the symptoms of autonomic nervous system (ANS) disorders, especially in teenagers, can be quite complex due to the wide range of symptoms and potential underlying causes. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing a variety of symptoms since December 2019, which have progressively worsened and now appear intermittently. These symptoms include pain in various parts of your body, muscle twitching, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, among others.

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and respiratory rate. When there is a dysfunction in this system, it can lead to a variety of symptoms that may seem unrelated at first glance. In your case, the symptoms you are experiencing could indeed be linked to an autonomic nervous system disorder, especially considering the presence of pain, muscle twitching, and fatigue.

Your initial symptoms, such as jaw pain and the sound when opening your mouth, could indicate a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which can sometimes be associated with stress and anxiety. Stress can exacerbate autonomic nervous system dysfunction, leading to increased muscle tension and pain. Following your cold in January, it is possible that your body’s response to stress and illness triggered a cascade of symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system.

The muscle twitching you describe, particularly in your eyelids, face, and limbs, could be a sign of neuromuscular irritability, which can occur in conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. These conditions are often associated with autonomic dysfunction and can lead to widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, which you have also reported.

Your concerns about conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and brain cancer are understandable, especially given the severity and range of your symptoms. However, it is important to note that ALS typically presents with progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, and brain cancer often has distinct neurological symptoms that would likely have been identified during medical evaluations. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, particularly a neurologist, who can conduct a thorough examination and possibly recommend tests such as MRI or electromyography (EMG) to rule out these serious conditions.

Additionally, you mentioned the possibility of cervical spine issues, which could also contribute to your symptoms. Cervical spine disorders can lead to nerve compression, resulting in pain, weakness, and sensory changes in the arms and legs. This could explain some of the symptoms you are experiencing, such as muscle weakness and tingling sensations.

In summary, your symptoms may be indicative of an autonomic nervous system disorder, potentially exacerbated by stress, illness, and possibly underlying musculoskeletal issues. It is essential to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare provider who specializes in neurology or autonomic disorders. They can help determine the underlying causes of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan to manage your condition effectively. In the meantime, focusing on stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or gentle exercise, may help alleviate some of your symptoms.

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