Facial tic: Hi, am just gonna put this out there... - Thyroid UK

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Facial tic

stig5882 profile image
23 Replies

Hi, am just gonna put this out there so if anyone can shed some light it will be much appreciated. I am currently on T3 only while awaiting my first endo appointment as my doctor agrees that I may not be converting due to my last results.

I was watching telly lst night when suddenly I felt my face tighten and thought 'I must get some moisturiser' then within 2 minutes I was covered head to toe in a red rash that was hot to touch. I had not eaten anything previously (I have to my knowledge no allergies) in fact the last thing I ate was a multi B vitamin (Jarrow B-right) which I have taken before without any side effects. I immediately took an antihistamine which worked within the hour. I went to bed fine but when I woke up I felt this pulling sensation at the corner of my mouth as if I was having a stroke. I was frightened at first but it went after a couple of mins. This 'tic' has been happening on and off all day. Should I be worried or is this just another thing that happens to hypothyroid people or should I be worried?

My last blood draw was on 7th Aug.

results were... Serum TSH level - <0.02 mu/L (0.27 - 4.20mu/L)

Serum free T4 level - 27.2 pmol/L (12.00 - 22.00pmol/L)

No T3 was tested Doc says she doesn't know why they didn't test it as they had done before :/

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23 Replies
humanbean profile image
humanbean

If there is even the slightest chance you have had or are having a stroke you should dial 999.

stig5882 profile image
stig5882 in reply tohumanbean

I feel okay apart from this twitch :/ and the rash that appeared went an hour or so after taking anti-histamine but think I will go see doctor asap. Thank you so much for your reply. xx

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply tostig5882

Good luck!

Rapunzel profile image
Rapunzel

Could it be a TIA? Do get it checked out nhs.uk/Conditions/Transient... your TSH is very low and your T4 very high considering you're only taking T3

Hope everything is fine but I would truck along to my GP in your mocassins :)

stig5882 profile image
stig5882 in reply toRapunzel

Thank you so much, think I will go see doc asap. xx

stig5882 profile image
stig5882 in reply toRapunzel

I was on Levo only for 8 weeks before the blood test, this is why my doctor agrees that I may not be converting T4 so I am now awaiting an Endo apointment and I have started back on T3 only in the meantime.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

There can be facial muscle twitches with Bell's Palsy

drugs.com/health-guide/bell...

stig5882 profile image
stig5882 in reply toSeasideSusie

Thank you SeasideSuzie I have just called the doctor and have an appointment to see him this afternoon. :)

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tostig5882

Let us know how it goes. I thought of the Bells Palsy because my aunt had that. Hopefully it's just something minor :)

stig5882 profile image
stig5882 in reply toSeasideSusie

Doctor said she hasn't a clue but not to worry as it was not a stroke (thankfully) may be caused by stress. I got the feeling she thought it was all in my mind :/

Thank you xx

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tostig5882

Well, at least you can rest easy that it wasn't a stroke. If it happens again hopefully they'll do further investigation.

Phoenix605 profile image
Phoenix605 in reply tostig5882

In relation to the tic I had a stupid twitchy eyelid that mostly occurred when tired so I blamed shift work, its completely gone (along with muscle cramps I hadnt even connected) since fixing/ improving B12, folate, vit D and thyroid levels, just in range isnt good enough either.

If the antihisthamine worked then you had a histhamine reaction. A whole body rash should never be ignored, is not in the mind it is in reaction to a physical stimulus and sounds like you had a severe reaction to something.

It may never happen again but if it does dial 111 for advice, they will probably tell you to take antihisthamine but may well also decide you need checking over, you could also take photos to show GP. Obviously if any chest/ throat tightness dial 999 immediately.

I would write down everything you had contact with pills, food, washing products (had you just changed for bed?) even a brand change etc whilst it is fresh, that way if it does happen again you will have an accurate comparison list. I would also carry some anti histhamine with you.

stig5882 profile image
stig5882 in reply toPhoenix605

Thank you so much for your advice.

humanbean profile image
humanbean

In order to stop my own twitching, tics, spasms, cramp and fasciculations (which I hasten to add I didn't have altogether or all the time!) I had to increase my levels of iron and B12 to optimal. I also needed to supplement magnesium (I use magnesium citrate, but there are several other ways of supplementing it), and I also supplement potassium in small doses. (Ideally I should alter my diet to increase my potassium levels, but I'm too lazy. Potassium is something that should only be supplemented very cautiously - if at all - because it can affect the heart.)

I think I've had cramp once in the last couple of years, and I can't remember the last time I had any facial tics.

stig5882 profile image
stig5882 in reply tohumanbean

I also take magnesium citrate and only stopped the B vits a few months ago as the doctor said my liver enzymes were high and suggested I stop the B's for a while as I had been taking them for a long time. I only took them again last night as I had been very tired lately and I thought they may help?

Thank you for your response. x

julie1111 profile image
julie1111

I am currently hypo and one of the symptoms I am battling with is jerky limbs, twitches, especially at night. I think low T3 effects everything - even the brain :(

Naomi8 profile image
Naomi8

how much niacin was in the B vit mix?Could it be niacin flush?I take 50mcgs Niacin.Sometimes I flush,sometimes not.

stig5882 profile image
stig5882 in reply toNaomi8

niacin (nicotinic acid) 25mg & niacin (nicotinamide ) 100mg but I have taken these same supplements before with no problems :/

I seen the doctor a few hours ago and she has no clue but assured me it was nothing to be alarmed about. She said may be stress related.

Naomi8 profile image
Naomi8

100mgs is a lot of niacin.I had a big reaction when I hadn't taken some for a while.I thought I was having an allergic reaction to some spicy food.Flushed bright red & prickly feeling all over.Don't get that reaction now,though can still get a prickly feeling.Worst on scalp.

lucylocks profile image
lucylocks in reply toNaomi8

Hi

I always thought nicotinamide did not cause the flush, but niacin could.

stig5882 profile image
stig5882 in reply toNaomi8

Thanks Naomi8, I think this may be just what has happened (doctor never even thought of that) :/ The last time I took the niacin was in June so quite a while ago now.

Thanks again and I hope you keep well. xx

silverfox7 profile image
silverfox7

A rash that responds to anti histamine is an allergy sobmodt likely the fillers but could be individual components. Ask about taking a different make of meds or ask the pharmacist for suggestions.

stig5882 profile image
stig5882 in reply tosilverfox7

Thank you silverfox7 I will do that. xx

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