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Hi Doctor I Have A Question, Couple Of Months Ago

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Posted on Mon, 27 Jan 2020
Question: Hi Doctor

I have a question, couple of months ago I believe i contracted Epstein Barr Virus, The results came back as followed

Epstein Barr Virus IgG - positive
EBNA - IgG Positive
IGM- Equivocal

i am not sure what equivocal means, it says this is consisten with a past infection, so im not sure if its are recent past infection or over the years it developed?

also my question is, I developed lots of joint pain, fingers, toes, knuckles etc, the joint pain how all stopped but now ive developed twitches, fasciulations
the twitches are in my feet, shoulders, calfs, thighs

is it possible EBV can cause twitches to occur, I am very scared this is ALS

Regards XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Muscle twitches unlikely be related to EBV

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Positive IgG indicates infection in the past and positive IgM indicates recent infection. In your case IgM is equivocal so we can not say it is a recent infection or an old one. You can repeat the test to know the recent active infection.
EBV can cause joint pain as a part of something called viral arthritis. However muscle twitches are unlikely be related to EBV infection.
ALS is not related to EBV infection and your symptoms are not consistent with ALS either.
If symptoms persist better to consult a neurologist and get evaluated to rule out neurological causes.
Wishing all the best.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (20 hours later)
Hi Doctor

I will get a Nerve Test done, doctor advised me, I am just wondering what do you think it could possibly be?, the twitching is mostly in the left foot, i am also getting it in the calves, above the knee and sometimes shoulders, sometimes their is pain sometimes not

Regards XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (19 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It could be a Charly horse.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Conditions like “Charley horse” must be ruled out.
Most often it will be a self limiting condition without any consequences.
You can wait for few weeks before doing additional investigations.
Thanks
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shinas Hussain

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2015

Answered : 23672 Questions

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Hi Doctor I Have A Question, Couple Of Months Ago

Brief Answer: Muscle twitches unlikely be related to EBV Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for the query. Positive IgG indicates infection in the past and positive IgM indicates recent infection. In your case IgM is equivocal so we can not say it is a recent infection or an old one. You can repeat the test to know the recent active infection. EBV can cause joint pain as a part of something called viral arthritis. However muscle twitches are unlikely be related to EBV infection. ALS is not related to EBV infection and your symptoms are not consistent with ALS either. If symptoms persist better to consult a neurologist and get evaluated to rule out neurological causes. Wishing all the best. Thanks