One of the more scary symptoms I've been noticing for about maybe a month now is that randomly I'll get a twitching or kind of jerking in different parts of my body. If I'm sitting down and watching tv, or playing on the computer, or reading I'll get a sudden twitch that will cause my leg or arm to move suddenly on its own. It's like a quick kind of jerk, almost like I got an electric shock. Sometimes it happens in my back and on my shoulder, and will cause my shoulder to move up. I have NEVER had this happen before, until all my other symptoms started. It makes me think it has to somehow be related to Sjogren's.
I'm getting kind of scared, because I've read that autoimmune diseases can affect the nervous system. Also, my grandpa had MS.
I like the new rhumatologist I'm seeing now, except that he doesn't think it's related to the disease and he pretty much downplayed it and said it was probably from "fibermayalgia" and stress. I don't think so. It's definitely getting worse.
Does anyone else get this weird twitching problem, and does anyone know if it could be related to Sjogren's? It doesn't hurt, but it feels really weird and it is kind of making me a little nervous.
Hi. See a neurologist. I have a bunch of odd things going on like that. Since you mentioned MS, I will mention that SS can cause lesions on the brain that can mimic MS symptoms. I definitely would always suggest talking to your doc about any odd symptoms. SS can cause so many odd things and a lot of us have more than one going on so it can be hard to tease out what's happening. Please keep us posted on what the doc says and how you are doing.
Well, there is your genetic link to autoimmune, your grandad, but just because he has MS does not mean that you will have the same autoimmune disease. My link is my maternal grandmothers, it goes back as long as anyone can remember.
Many of us have Fibromyalgia. My Rheumatologist told me that my primary disease, which is psoriatic arthritis, most likely caused the Fibro, but it is the very least of my problems.
Before picking up the faltering groups, Sjogren's included, I was a Fibromyalgia moderator for years, and the best way I can explain it is as a 'stress response'. Fibro as well as Sjogren's can cause twitching, jerking, and tremors, just be sure to tell your Rheumatologist, he may want to send you for the nerve and muscle conduction tests, which are preformed by a neurologist.
Hope this is a help to you, and that you can very soon get to a better place!
I have it too. Don't know what causes it for me. I have been trying to ignore it. Just glad it isn't painful. Let us know if you find out why you have it.
I have tremors in my hand sometimes, but it is related to one of my meds. I take gabapentin for neuropathy in my feet. Sometimes it's worse than other times and when that happens I can't sleep so I take an extra gaba. Any amount over the usual dosage causes the tremors.
Yes is the simple answer - have had full brain spine MRI nerve conduction velocity etc etc all negative neuro who is very good says probably small fibre neuropathy which is out side his experience as a CNC man (specialisation again!)
Small fibre neuropathy is very difficult to test for. It will be made worse by stress and noticing that you have it. Mine has eased off a bit lately.
I too get random twitches & jerking. Seems mostly when I'm tired, which is most of the time. I just figured it is one more part of this PsA/SS/Fibro circus. I'm also glad it doesn't hurt.
Yes, I have that happen frequently. I talked to my rheumy about it and he ordered an MRI on my brain and an EMG to test nerves. I go for those in a couple of weeks.
I love your use of the word "Circus" LOL! SS is a circus on it's own, I can't imagine all the others as well!
Butler said:
I too get random twitches & jerking. Seems mostly when I'm tired, which is most of the time. I just figured it is one more part of this PsA/SS/Fibro circus. I'm also glad it doesn't hurt.
I have this and my nero did a sleep study and discovered my whole body jerks at night. I was put on meds for rest less leg and it has helped. If your rhuemy want refer you to a nero ask your primary doctor to.
Do you have to use the CPAP? My neuro ordered a sleep study for me on Monday because I complained about fatigue. I did not want to do it, but I am. I really think the drug combo plus the disease is the fatigue problem and not sleep, but if your neuro ordered one, maybe my neuro isn't as out to lunch as I thought.
purplebutterfly said:
I have this and my nero did a sleep study and discovered my whole body jerks at night. I was put on meds for rest less leg and it has helped. If your rhuemy want refer you to a nero ask your primary doctor to.
My aunt died from MS in the 80s. She didn't have the best medical care and they have better treatments now than they did then. My nuro.(young Dr) was shocked to learn she actually died from the MS.
I was terrified I had MS. Two things, first my nuro. made me feel very relieved when he explained that the numbness and sensory symptoms of MS do not effect small areas like part of a hand or foot or even part of a leg or arm. MS effects an entire limb or more, so your whole arm or leg could go completely numb.
He did an MRI of my brain and I didn't have any lissions and he told me without a doubt, I did not have MS. At least not at the time.
You may want to consider getting an MRI because it may really rule out MS and that will be one less thing you have to worry about.
My neurologist said it is "restless leg' and we are adjusting the Requip I take. I am also suppose to get more sleep by going to bed at a regular time every night and get up at the same time every morning.