Twitching Forearm: Diagnosis Needed

[Snivy]

HiI wrote a couple weeks ago because I have been having twitches in my forearm. I have had neck problems (bone spurs) for about ten years and have had pain in that arm in the past. My GP thinks it may be neck related and sent me to a physical therapist. The twitches went away for about a week and have since come back and are going on 24/7 only in the forearm. I've been worried about that even though I know there is a good chance it is coming from my neck. The last couple of days, I have been having trouble swallowing. It really takes a hard swallow for solid food to go down. It almost feels like some of it gets stuck. I know there is a chance it has always been like this and I've never noticed or dwelled on it, but it is freaking me out.I think that with my arm it worries me because so many people talk about how if the twitch is in only one spot, that usually is a bad sign. I don't go back to my GP for a week. She said she would send me to the neuro if things didn't get better, but we all know how hard the waiting is. Thanks for any input.L

 

[Quickrider]

HI LorgirlI also have trouble swallowing. I think part of the problem is thinking about what is usually an automatic function. I was having such a hard time that I decided to only eat things that were not a problem. For about six weeks I ate nothing but yogourt and fluids. Gradually I began to get my confidence back. I am now swallowing better. Sometimes I am almost back to normal. I think swallowing is one of those things that if you think about it too much, it's harder to do. Trouble swallowing and a lump in throat feeling is also a classic symptom of stress. Sandra D

 

[FrogDrops8]

I've had lots of problem with swallowing and what I've learned is the problem related to ALS swallowing issues has to do with swallowing liquids rather than solids. Anxiety / paying attention to greatly affect your swallowing. Are you swallowing more than normal? Meaning testing yourself even when not eating? If so your throat could be irratated and this is only adding to your swallowing problem.As far as the forarm goes. DO you have weaknees? WEAKNESS starts first. I know alot of people recommend not self testing and I agree for the most part. Dont do it constantly. But a simple test would be for you to try and tighten a jar or lift an object with that arm. You can hold your arm at a 90 degree angle and have someone try to pull it down while you try to not let them. Simple things. Dont go off the deep end with testing or you can make your arm weak because its not used to lifting / working out.

 

[CautiousExplorer]

Lately, i've started to experience a 'lump' in my throat aswell. It makes my tongue feel funny and i'm constantly testing my speech. I also have this constant feeling in my jaws that im about to yawn. The more i concentrate on it, the more 'adrenalin' or fear rushes i get, and the worse it gets Oh.. i forgot to mention the 'tongue' strenght test; moving it quickly from left to right or pushing away my cheeks Sometimes when im unable to move my tongue as quickly as expected, i get another mild panic attack.. but i guess these sensations are all in my head and have nothing to do with BFS

 

[Snivy]

The problem for me though with the weakness issue is that my left arm is weaker than the right ever since I had my first bout with hernitated discs in my neck in 1999. When I've gone to the physical therapist and she tests my strength, there is always a slight weakness in my left arm. Plus, if this twitching is coming from a nerve being pinched in my neck, that can continue to make my arm weaker due to nerve damage. But, I know when I went to the neurologist in 2005 when my neck was causing symptoms in my arm, he tested my strength and it obviously wasn't a big enough difference between the two arms for him to consider it a true "weakness" problem.When I am thinking rationally, I am convinced this arm twitching IS from my neck. But when I am in anxiety mode, I find myself worrying about the strength issue, my swallowing issue and any other symptom that I can dwell on.Hopefully eventually I'll get to see the neuro again and can have my fears gone.Thanks.

 

[StacyDance]

I'm not certain if this will make you feel better or not. I've been twitching and having problems for 13 years. I have read not to worry about trouble swallowing food, but liquids. However, I have had a catch in my throat if I drink too fast or I'm concentrating or anticipating the problem for 10+ years now. I panicked about it then, however, I would say 10+ years means that it's just a part of the way I'm made up and whether it's due to BFS or anxiety I will never know for sure. I have never choked, but when it happens it doesn't feel that great (kinda hurts). It just feels like it get's caught up in my throat and I have to relax for it to go down. It also doesn't happen all the time. But as I said this has been going on for 10 years. Try to relax! You're good!StacyDance