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What Causes Muscle Spasms And Weakness In Arms?

Posted on Mon, 29 Jun 2015

Question: Hello! A few months ago i was diagnosed with a vitamin d deficiency and was put on vitamin d. I wound up having skin rashes and stopped taking vitamin d. My joint pain that i previously had went away and so did my rashes. About a week and a half ago i started having muscle twitches in my upper right arm on and off throughout the day. I am going through a stressful time at work but i am not overly anxious about it. Ghe muscle twitches sometimes fades but always comes back and can be very visible and many twitches one right after another, some bigger than others. I am 27 and besides the vitamin d deficiency i have been healthy. A couple of years ago i saw a neurologist because i was having muscle spasms/cramping and they tested me for als and it was negative. I am worried that this is the start of als or ms...im more worried about als. I would greatly appreciate your opinion. Thank you! I am scheduled to see my rheumatologist regarding rechecking my vitamin d levels on monday. Im worried about having als or ms. Thanks again for your help!

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle twitches

Detailed Answer:
I understand what you are saying.

Severe vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle cramps and weakness. I suggest you try another form of vitamin D such as daily tablets in various strengths such as 1000 or 2000 IU, or the mega-doses (60,000 IU) weekly.
Obviously do this under the guidance of a doctor only because the exact dose required will be determined based on your blood levels.

When I see someone like you in my practice I also order the following blood tests in addition to a physical examination:

CBC
CMP
TSH
Free T4

These tests do not require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day.
They screen for other potential causes of your muscle twitching such as calcium-glucose-electrolyte-thyroid problems.

Yes MS/ALS can present similarly as can any type of MND (Motor Neuron Disease) but I recommend getting a comprehensive assessment by a Neurologist to rule this out again

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (32 minutes later)

Thank you for your answer! Do you think this sounds like ALS or something serious as i have had the muscle twitching in the same spot (upper right arm) on and off for the past week or so. I am very concerned about this. I am not currently experiencing any weakness or anything else. I would definitely appreciate your honesty. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Muscle twitching can represent a host of medical conditions from very non-worrisome ones to others that are of serious concern.

It is not possible to comment on the likely cause of your twitching without a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed examination and further testing if necessary

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (2 hours later)

I understand. I just wanted your opinion as that is why I asked. I was on strike with my job last week which means we were walking on sidewalk for a few hours each day. Since being back at work we have just been sittng at desks reading, etc. so i do not think any muscle strain was involved. I am worried because the muscle twitching is mostly in the back of my upper right arm and while at rest mostly. I do have some anxiety but would think the muscle twitching would be more widespread. I am just worried. Thanks for your help!

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Second Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Twitching can result from intense activity that the body is not used to but you are saying it was only sidewalk walking so that should not cause twitching.

I hope you get this checked soon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (7 minutes later)

Is it concerning that it is mostly in the back of my upper, right arm? I am only 27 and havent had many real health problems. I have been having some issues at work which are causing some anxiety but i dont know if it would cause this as the twitching has been in one spot pretty much and for several days now. Your help is appreciated. As i stated earlier i had an emg done back in february of 2014 that came back normal but im sure that could have changed. At that time i wasnt having localized twitching but tingling in hands and feet and stuff...i dont have anything like that now. Thanks again for your help.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Third follow up

Detailed Answer:
Localized twitching can occur in certain neurological conditions. This merits a systematic physical examination with likely further testing such as Nerve Conduction studies to determine the exact cause, and plan treatment accordingly

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (13 minutes later)

I undersfand what i need but i would appreciate your opinion. I am havig muscle twitching in my upper right arm intermittently and some cramps fhat come and go in my legs...mostly thighs. I do have some pain in my hands from time to time and my twitching can sometimes be in a leg or butt area bus is primarily in the upper right arm. Im asking if you think this is likely als or a neurological condition?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (25 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Fourth follow up

Detailed Answer:
Twitching is only one feature of ALS/neurological problems, just like every headache does not mean there is a brain tumor, although many brain tumors do cause headaches.

So what you are seeking is an oversimplified answer in black and white, which is not possible, and certainly not on an online forum like this, where there is no opportunity to perform a complete physical examination.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (4 hours later)

I understand what you are saying. Upon waking up this morning, i am still having twitching in my arm and fleeting twitches in other places. I saw mg chiropractor yesterday who found a painful area of what he says was "inflammation" from being tense/etc. on the right side of my upper back closer to my shoulder (my right arm is the one that twitches). However, even after he adjustes my back and tri

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Fifth follow up

Detailed Answer:
Best wishes for good health. I sincerely hope you find a medical reason for your symptoms so they can be appropriately treated.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar