[35F] Experiencing eye twitching and hand muscle spasms

Patient Description

A 35-year-old female has been experiencing daily, mild to moderate eye twitching and involuntary movements of the pointer finger for the past 11 months. These spasms recur throughout the day, lasting approximately 20 minutes each time. The symptoms are alleviated by reduced exposure to light and are exacerbated by stress and anxiety. The patient also reports extreme fatigue, necessitating midday naps despite ample sleep, as well as weakness that has been particularly noticeable over the past week, making it difficult to walk long distances. The patient has a history of Bell's palsy diagnosed 23 years ago. Additionally, the patient experiences easy bruising on the arms, feet, and legs, which appear yellow and purple. The patient is currently taking gabapentin and duloxetine and has a known allergy to Prozac.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, there are a few possible explanations for your symptoms:

  • Benign Fasciculation Syndrome (BFS): This condition is characterized by frequent muscle twitches, which you described as spasms, in various parts of the body. BFS is often associated with fatigue, muscle pain, cramps, and/or muscle stiffness, which aligns with some of the symptoms you've reported. While it can be bothersome, BFS is not life-threatening or associated with any serious illness.

    • Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes such as reducing stress and anxiety, as well as avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger muscle twitches.
  • Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. It's often triggered by physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In some cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.

    • Treatment often involves a combination of medications, exercise, stress management measures, and healthy lifestyle habits.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. This could explain your need for a midday nap and feeling constantly tired despite ample sleep.

    • Treatment focuses on symptom relief.
  • Side effects of your current medications: Both gabapentin and duloxetine can cause muscle spasms, fatigue, and weakness as side effects.

Please note that these are only possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Try to get regular, moderate exercise to help improve your energy levels and reduce muscle spasms.
  2. Practice good sleep hygiene. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, keeping your bedroom dark and quiet, and avoiding screens before bed.
  3. Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
  4. Try stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
  5. Keep a symptom diary to track your symptoms and any potential triggers. This can be helpful information to share with your doctor.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms significantly worsen
  • You develop new symptoms
  • Your symptoms are interfering with your daily activities or quality of life

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What causes eye twitching and involuntary finger movements?

Eye twitching and involuntary finger movements can be caused by conditions like Benign Fasciculation Syndrome (BFS), stress, fatigue, or side effects of medications. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.


How can stress and anxiety affect muscle spasms?

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate muscle spasms by increasing muscle tension and stimulating the nervous system, which can lead to more frequent or intense twitching.


What are the potential side effects of gabapentin and duloxetine?

Gabapentin and duloxetine can cause side effects such as muscle spasms, fatigue, and weakness. It's important to discuss any side effects with a healthcare provider to determine if medication adjustments are needed.


Why might someone experience extreme fatigue despite getting enough sleep?

Extreme fatigue despite adequate sleep can be a symptom of conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or fibromyalgia. It can also be a side effect of medications or result from poor sleep quality. Consulting a healthcare professional can help identify the underlying cause.


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