Myasthenia Gravis Support Group
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...
Hello:
Does anyone experience fasciculations (twitching) and cramps? If so, has anything helped with the cramping? I'm on a moderate dose of Mestinon (60 mg 4x a day) so it doesn 't seem like it would cause a problem. I fasciculate at random times but also after using muscles - after sneezing or coughing many of the muscles around my ribcage twitch. I counted 70 fasciculations in one hour last night but don't twitch as much as that every hour of the day.
The cramping was relieved at first by stretching, but now the stretching just causes other muscles to cramp. So if I walk to ease a foot cramp, my toes start cramping.
Any advice or commiseration appreciated,
Rhonda
Does anyone experience fasciculations (twitching) and cramps? If so, has anything helped with the cramping? I'm on a moderate dose of Mestinon (60 mg 4x a day) so it doesn 't seem like it would cause a problem. I fasciculate at random times but also after using muscles - after sneezing or coughing many of the muscles around my ribcage twitch. I counted 70 fasciculations in one hour last night but don't twitch as much as that every hour of the day.
The cramping was relieved at first by stretching, but now the stretching just causes other muscles to cramp. So if I walk to ease a foot cramp, my toes start cramping.
Any advice or commiseration appreciated,
Rhonda
Pat
I have letdown when Mestinon wears off (with cramping), so sometimes dividing the dose and taking it more frequently helps as well. I don't think neurologists are aware of the extent of this problem with people with MG.
Then there are other autoimmune conditions that can cause cramping, but check out potassium and spreading your dose before you add another worry! :-) b.
I have fun with my fasiculations. I get them, sometimes in great numbers, like you. I also get them in strange places. My ears really twitch at times. I have a muscle on the top of my hand that also goes at times. I can put my hand flat on a table and watch the muscle twitch for an hour or so. It's weird, but it doesn't take much to entertain me these days.
Marvin
They can be diagnosed - and treated with meds - that are NOT usually given with MG. (It requires different, non-MG meds. Most of these meds are milder, than many MG meds.)
Blood panels, ordered by your Neuro - will give you a report on your potassium levels, magnesium levels, etcetera.
As bweeds said: do not start taking supplements, without approval of your Neuro.
I have a pretty decent case of CFS, cramp-fasciculation-syndrome.
It is as much a problem for me, as is my MG.
70 cramp-fasciculations a minute?
And cramp-fasciculations? That stretching no longer helps, but actually aggravates the situation?
This is all a signal of a growing problem.
** Not to exclude Mestinon!
Many people here - have experienced real problems with twitching, cramps, and fasciculations - involving Mestinon.
- Ross
** Cramp-fasciculations are generally part of what is called PNH-Syndromes.
** See pnhinfo.com - for more info.
--Kerry
--Kerry
My twitches can be mild, severe, violent, subtle, momentary or continuous. I recently saw my neuro for this very problem & he insists it's a side effect of the Mestinon. I keep Ross' information on PNH close at hand as I'm not convinced my neuro knows me better than I do!
To repeat what others have said, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Larissa
Rhonda
Do you have days of a lot of cramping and then go days even weeks without cramping? Mine definitely come and go ,
Does anyone have suggstions to relieve the cramps? Heat helps a little but not for long.
In the same way, that heat often makes MG symptoms worse.
Pat: no the cramping I have - is 24/7.
Sorry to be using short-sentences.
Having a flare-up.
(Lucky you!)
- Ross
(But I will be okay.)
My cramping is 24/7, because it's a chronic disease.
It's called cramp-fasciculation-syndrome, one of many PNH-syndromes. (pnhinfo.com)
- Ross
as for cramps those come an go. worse when my salt intake is high.
mainly in my toes,feet ankles, and lower legs. they can mild and last a couple minutes relieved with stretch or can be very painful and last 45 mins. and then like you said stretching or walking makes it worse.
In the past month i have been starting to get some cramps in my hands so far on the mild side.
I am only on 60mg of mestinon and 17mg of prednisone. If I increase my intake of foods high in potassium that seems to help with cramps. I will have to try drinking more too, i know i lack there....