Is it possible to self-induce a muscle twitch in BFS?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had a minor hamstring injury last month and currently, I am receiving physical therapy. In addition, I visited a neurologist for peripheral neuropathy in my foot. Last year my neurologist diagnosed me with benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS). After the injury, I am getting twitches in the injured leg most of the time that is in my right thigh for past three weeks. But, there is no clinical weakness. I can also induce a twitch by tapping the injured inner knee area. My leg injury appears to responding slowly to the physical therapy. My question is, is it possible to self-induce a twitch in BFS? I heard that also in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) condition one can self-induce twitch. This is bothering me now. Please explain.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read your query and I understand your concern. A person with benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS) or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)cannot induce twitching. These are automatically produced and cannot be in fact controlled by oneself. I need few more details in view to help you better. I have a good number of patients with BFS with well controlled twitching on my treatment. Provide me the following details: Since when are you having this? Is there any tongue twitching? What is the status of your calcium, magnesium and vitamin D? Have you checked these before? Do you have a history of thyroid disorder? Any associated problems like headache and visual issues?

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. In your case, I would advise you the following, which would help you greatly. Take Vitamin D supplement as advised by your neurologist. Along with that takeClonazepam in night, which significantly reduce benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS). Do regular exercise, have a good sound sleep, do less work without stress and reduce your dietary caffeine such as coffee, chocolate and soft drink as much as possible. Meditation has proved to be a very good treatment for BFS. Vitamin B12 supplementation/Methylcobalamine found to have good effect in BFS. Local application ofCapsaicin ointment also helps in some people. Now, as far as differentiating between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and BFS is concerned, that can be done easily by eliciting your reflexes and performing your EMG (electromyography). So, your neurologist must have ruled out ALS by now. The probable cause is Idiopathic. the investigation to be done is EMG. Differential diagnosis may be 1. ALS. 2. Anxiety. The probable diagnosis is BFS. The preventive measures include 1. Reduce stress. 2. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.