[38F] Experiencing pronounced muscle twitches, pain, and severe breathlessness

What might be happening

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

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including muscle spasms, numbness or tingling in limbs, pain, and vision problems. The fact that you have multiple symptoms involving different parts of your body may suggest a condition like MS, which affects the nervous system broadly. However, only a healthcare provider can make this diagnosis.

  • Diagnosis typically involves a neurological exam, MRI, and sometimes a spinal fluid analysis. Treatment typically involves managing symptoms and slowing disease progression with medications.

• Chiari Malformation: This is a condition where brain tissue extends into your spinal canal. It occurs when part of your skull is abnormally small or misshapen, pressing on your brain and forcing it downward. Your existing diagnosis of Chiari malformation could explain some of your symptoms, such as the muscle twitches and jerking, numbness and tingling, and possibly the vision problems. However, it would be less typical for this condition to cause pain in the hips, thighs, and knees.

  • Treatment depends on the severity and specific symptoms. It may include medications for pain, and in some cases, surgery.

• Anxiety and Depression: Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can sometimes cause physical symptoms like fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulty breathing. Your existing diagnoses of these conditions could be contributing to some of your symptoms.

• Side Effects of Medication: Some of the medications you're taking can have side effects that might explain some of your symptoms. For example, Paxil can cause vision changes, and both Paxil and Wellbutrin can cause tremors.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, consider your full medical history, and possibly order tests to help determine what's causing your symptoms.
2. Keep a symptom diary. Note when each symptom occurs, its severity, and any factors that seem to make it better or worse. This can help your healthcare provider in their evaluation.
3. Continue taking your prescribed medications unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your symptoms significantly worsen
• You experience severe difficulty breathing
• You have a seizure
• You experience new or worsening cognitive symptoms, such as confusion or difficulty speaking

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment options.