Speech Difficulties with BFS?

Lovely

Well-known member
I have read on previous posts that some BFS's have encountered speech difficulties. At times I feel like my tongue is "thick" and at others it feels like I have trouble articulating. Anyone else? Suggestions?

Thanks...
 
I especially have problems with pronouncing "s" words. I never had this before. But then again I never went through so many physical changes.
 
Lovely,
I have it with T-words (but I speak another language than yours). I also have these problems when I am quite relaxed, but the question is AM I REALLY RELAXED EVER at this moment?
Eve
 
Eve,

You are so right. When are we ever relaxed? Do you ever get any strange sensations in your tongue? Today, it actually felt like it was quivering. Who knew that I would have a baby and fall apart?!. I have read on anxietycenter.com that these can be anxiety related symptoms, but again how can you tell what is what?
 
Lovely,
Yes I have strange sensations in my tongue and I remember that 6 weeks ago I had a day that my tongue was twitching non-stop. Now I feel it almost daily but I am not sure if these are twitches or some kind of tingling. It is a feeling which is hard to describe.
I also struggle with the question: is this BFS, *** or anxiety? I do not want to take medication at this moment and therefor I decided to talk with a professional to learn more about myself and how to deal with this anxiety. But of course this man cannot give an answer to my questions if my symptoms started with anxiety or is a symtom of something "real". He could only tell me that your mind can do some strange things with your body...
Hopefully it helps you to talk with people with the same experiences. It helps me, especially for the moments I really think I have this ***.
Eve
 
Eve,

Did you have an EMG? I have had 2 and both were normal. The tongue twitching/vibrating/fluttering/tingling REALLY BOTHERS ME too. Infact it has been pretty non-stop today. The neuro I saw examined my tongue and told me everything looked normal. Please don't worry about ***. I have read numerous posts on various sites and many people have issues with their tongue and speech.
(Side bar- do you have TMJ? I do and I grind my teeth. I have noticed my bite is misaligned and I am wondering if this is the cause of my speech problem.)

I think what bothers me the most is the fear that I will never get better. If this is anxiety, how do I control it? If this is something neuro (benign), how do I treat it? I do believe in the power of the mind because I have experienced a variety of symptoms that have come and gone. I am sure many of the symptoms I experienced in the beginning of this nightmare were anxiety provoked. The twitching and cramping have remained constant, but I have had a clean neuro exam and EMG's.

Eve, I really do understand what your going through. If you have any suggestions (or anyone else) about the tongue issues, please post.
 
Lovely,
I have had an EMG but only at two places in the beginning of the twitches. I doubt that was enough, especially because it was on my right side and most problems I have on the left.
What do you mean with TMJ?
Thanks for your replies,
Eve
 
Lovely,
About the TMJ I found some information on the internet. I think there is a possibility this is the problem of my tensed jaws. Mostly when I wake up in the morning I feel I clench my teeth and probably I did not relax all night. I think this is anxiety or stress related. Who diagnosed your TMJ, your dentist?
 
my 'speech difficulties' were totally anxiety-related. i even remember one day (about 10 months ago) convincing myself that i was losing my ability to say "L" words. then, i popped an Ativan, and an hour later I could suddenly speak normal again. This was a clue to me that I needed to stop letting my anxiety run away with itself.
other tongue symptoms I have had - burning, pain, twitching, buzzing, heaviness. some symptoms BFS related, some pure anxiety. it seems to me that anxiety and BFS do similar things to the body - they both 'over-charge' your nervous system.

you asked, "if this is anxiety, how do i control it?" my advice is an anti-anxiety med like Lexapro, a healthy diet, an exercise regimen, and a support group (which you have here).

oh, and for TMJ, yes I have had this since i was a kid - and acknowledged by my dentist
 
Eleven,
The medicament you suggest is something like Clozan/Xanax? When I have a bad moment I use Clozan and it helps relax my muscels especially my jaws but does not help with the speech. My reaction on Xanax was not good, I felt weak and had more anxiety. Maybe a SSRI is a solution, but I want to wait for my second opinion next week.
 
Eve.

Ativan is a Benzodiazepine, similar to Valium. it is used for short term anxiety relief, and is very effective. however, it is also very addictive.
Ativan will make you sleepy until you develop tolerance to the drug. it relaxes the muscles & the mind.
an SSRI can be taken long term, without dependency. My doctor did not put me on an SSRI until he had performed every test imaginable.
 
One must be certain that we're really talking about fasciculations.

Do you feel a twitch with you mouth closed and your tongue at rest? If so, that is a fasciculation.

Do you see your tongue quiver and shake when you open your mouth and stick your tongue out? That is not a fasciculation, but tremor. If you put your hand on a table and lift your finger, you'll see that it might shake a bit and you'll see the muscles in you hand rippling under the skin. That is not fasciculation, but tremor. Tremor is common.

I seldom feel twitches in my tongue, but it does quiver a lot when I stick it out. Regardless, I still get thick speech and stumble over words. But I also have TMJ disorder.
 
Dave,

I often experience "electrical" sensations. I am not sure what category you would put these in. My tongue does have a tremor- the neuro stated it was a little more course than normal, but still normal. I also have actually seen my tongue twitch and I have also felt it "flutter/quiver" with my mouth closed. Have no idea what that is. And I too have TMJ/Myofacial pain syndrome. I am in the process of being fitted for a night guard. I have wondered if the grinding/TMJ has anything to do with my symptoms. (tongue)

Anybody else with tongue issues and TMJ?
 
Dee Dee I hate to get tough but here it goes, the guy waiting in the cardiac care unit, for a heart transplant who is probably never going to get a donor would love to have your tongue.There just may not be an answer to your question at this moment.But just hang tough and it will get better.And I mean "GET TOUGH" :mad: :mad:
 

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