muscle or nerve twitching??
 

Hi everyone,

I started with a new 'issue' that is really starting to bother me. I'm not sure if it's muscle twitching or nerve twitching, but it's located in my right elbow, near my ulnar nerve. Since my ACDF I haven't had this before. Does anyone have any idea what could be causing it? Better yet, what will help it go away!

I've been diagnosed with ulnar nerve compression (a double crush after my ACDF C5-C7) is that a symptom of the ulnar nerve entrapment?

Just wondering if it's anything I should be overly concerned about. Does it warrant a dr's visit or call?

Cathie

Certainly--
 

--a feeling of "twitching" can be related to compression along a nerve tract--I have intermittent twitching, somewhat positionally dependent, in the muscle in the forearm right above the elbow on the right side, which I believe is related to my documented right side c6-c7 radiculopathy secondary to arthritic spurring causing foraminal narrowing.

It's annoying, but not painful, and comes and goes. You can actually see the muscle twitch when it happens.

It's also possible to have what neurologists call benign fasiculations--occasional muscle twitches with no real observable cause beyond a slightly stronger than normal nerve signal going down the motor nerve from time to time. Still, given your history, it might be worth an exam and some localized neuromuscular testing.

Hi Cathie, quick question regarding your last couple of posts on the ulnar nerve, has your neuro or family dr set you up for an EMG or nerve conductivity test, I had both tests with Dr Pearce in Windsor in which he dx me with TOS, I also had double crush with C3-4 herniated and still dealing with ostoephytes at C4-5, C5-6 both sides, with further deteriation in the top thoric region. I would not go back under the knife for the entrapment without proof that is what it is (sry my opinion only), I only ask bc I have severe arm/elbow pain/weakness along with twitching and muscle bulging(visual) in my biceps, forearms and hands constantly achy and numb, but was told it was symtoms of TOS cause somewhere in the brachial plexus there is compression on the nerves and or blood vessels, I've just never persued any more tests as I am not prepared to undergo futher surgery at this time. Take care and enjoy the day, looks like sunshiny one!
Bunz

No you should not be overly concerned but anytime you have ongoing or worsening fasiculations of a muscle, that could represent denervation so a trip to your local ortho or neuro would be prudent!

Hi Bunz

Yes, I have an appt. With Dr. Dessai on October 11th for another EMG to confirm diagnosis. I'm with you on not wanting more surgery, and Im insisting he is posotive about the ulnar nerve entrapment, and how sever, and I also want to know what my odds are for any surgical procedure actually curing my hand problem.

I started with a new physiotherapist just this week, (i like this one, he has experience with cervical patients post op) we are working on trying to solve my pain without more surgery. He is trying to help with all the scar tissue and muscle wasting. Hoping it will help. So far so good. He also talked to me about TOS today, not diagnosing me of course, but explaining that I have all the symptoms of it.

For now i need to follow through with all the dr's diagnosis's since WSIB is trying to get me back to work in three months and I still can't use my right hand (which is my entire job). So they want confirmation on everything also. Which is good, they make the docs be more thorough when they have another person to answer to I think. Just don't understand how I will go back if I choose not to have the ulnar nerve transposition, since I'll just have to live with my symptoms, the pain and numbness in my fingers? I guess I will have to see when my 3 months is up and I have my next functional abilities form.

I did speak with the physiotherapist today about the twitching, he explained it's part of the compression, and told me to mention it to the neuro at my next visit. Perhaps dr. Dessai can look at that with my EMG also, since I see him first.

Thanks for your response, Still trying to learn as much as i can about all this.

Hope you are doing well. And have a Happy Thanksgiving next weekend (I think you are my only Canadian friend on here! Lol)
Cathie

Hi Glenntaj

What would be considered a localized neuromuscular test that you mentioned? I have an EMG in a week and a half, is that the same thing?

Thanks for you insight, much appreciated.
cathie

Yes--
 

--the localized testing would be pretty much a nerve conduction/EMG series with particular care as to placement of electrodes and needles, the idea being to isolate just what part of the nerve tract may be compressed.

Morning Cathie, I am well as can be expected thx. I'm glad you have found a good physiotherapist its important to like him/her, mine is pretty good, since I am a lifer for physio I better like him lol. Oh good ole Dr. Desai, I saw him as well, his assistant was very nice, I found him to be a quiet softspoken man, nice enough but I think he thought I was milking it, then said the test show normal(which happens as EMG's are not always reliable), and that I have carpel tunnel, in which I said I beg to differ cause I have no pain in my wrists its in my biceps and elbows with numbness in hands, Dr Shamisa did not agree with his dx and that is when he sent me to Dr Pearce who in turn dx me within mins with TOS when he was examining me he kept saying you are very tender bilaterally and advised me to have massage once weekly, and still to this day my gal is still in awe with the muscle bulging, knots and pain I have when she is massaging, it hurts to have anyone touch me around my neck shoulders scalene muscle area etc...no more big hugs just gentle ones, well enough typing hands are numb and tingling, happy turkey day to you as well, suppose to be a nice day hopefully lots of sun, have a great day!
Bunz