I went to the neurologist recently because I was suffering from recurring muscle cramps. This started when I was around 6, I never went to the doc because I was a fairly unfit child, and everyone told me that it could be lack of exercise.
Well, I did get physically active, and they never stopped. The problem is, they don’t happen every day…usually, when I least expect it. Sometimes the cramps come when I walk. When I get an attack, the pain recedes only after a minute or 2…sometimes longer. And at this time, I am sweating profusely because of the pain and sometimes, I get dizzy.
The doctor suspected that I might have a rare metabolic defect which hampers the cell’s ability to absorb carbohydrates. First, he performed tests to rule out Multiple Sclerosis or some other neurological disorder. So, I went for blood tests and an EMG…but there were no abnormalities. Finally, the neurologist performed a muscle biopsy, and sent the sample to Germany for testing. The reports were inconclusive. He says nothing is wrong with me.
I am not a hypochondriac, I have been suffering with this for a long, long time. I haven’t gotten an attack since winter…somehow, the cold makes it worse. I am thinking of going to another doctor for a second opinion…I have searched the internet for any information regarding this…I did find some, but they say that it can be diagnosed with the tests the doc did on me. I am very confused.
I am not a doctor, just a health librarian, so remember to take this information with this caution:
This info is not intended to diagnose any condition or replace the advice of a doctor.
What they’ve been testing for are diseases called Metabolic Myopathies. They can be very difficult to diagnose. Here’s some information about them :
If your doctor has done all of the testing (sounds like it) and found nothing, you may have another problem. Here’s a page of links to information about muscle cramps in general :
With something that can be this hard to pinpoint, I’d give the general good advice that you may need a second opinion.
Thank you, Snowcarpet
The info was very helpful, but I will take your advice and seek a second opinion.
I do not want to jump to any conclusions…
And no, they don’t happen in any particular muscle, it can happen in any area…but more frequently in the back of my thigh (the hamstring region) and the upper arm.
