Twitching muscles...: We've all had the eye... - Thyroid UK

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Twitching muscles...

Gillybean129 profile image
48 Replies

We've all had the eye twitch, I had this last year for 3 weeks continually.

Recently I've had a twitch under my lip then both forearms and just above my knees, just an annoyance, anyone else had this? They each last a few days or less...

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Gillybean129 profile image
Gillybean129
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48 Replies
Marz profile image
Marz

Do you know your B12 level ??

Gillybean129 profile image
Gillybean129 in reply to Marz

Nope, I'd have to get this privately

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Gillybean129

If your B12 is below 500 then it can become a neurological issue. Also test Folate/B9 as they work together in the body 😊

eileencollopy profile image
eileencollopy in reply to Marz

also test calcium levels

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Suggest you get full testing to check vitamin and thyroid levels

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, (T3 or NDT 12 hours) delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results

If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 3-5 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

Do you supplement magnesium?

heathermr profile image
heathermr

I used to have some really bad eye twitches which have stopped since I have taken some Magnesium tablets from a health food shop. They also seem to help with cramp too.

Heather

TSH110 profile image
TSH110 in reply to heathermr

That is interesting. I think that might explain the electric shock sensations I used to get and the cramp. I noticed that vitD3 seemed to provoke the cramp and I did read it can reveal magnesium deficiency. I took magnesium malate and felt a lot better for it. Stopped cramps in their tracks.

Babette profile image
Babette in reply to TSH110

I had muscle twitching, cramps, a tingling across my torso similar to the one I get in my nose as if I'm about to sneeze, and the electric shock sensations. I've been using magnesium oil for the last week and these have really helped.

Gillybean129 profile image
Gillybean129

I use a magnesium spray and take an Epson salt bath regularly....

TSH110 profile image
TSH110 in reply to Gillybean129

But you still get the twitching? Mine went with getting the right dose of thyroxine, I have had very rare occasions of recurrence. I still get heart pains but far less that untreated or on Levo (I take NDT)

TSH110 profile image
TSH110

I got the eyelid twitch a lot before diagnosis. I got what I called electric knee it was like electric shocks in it - really weird. I don’t remember any other twitching but I got all sorts of strange sensations all over - itching was chronic. I think the twitch and electric shock sensations might be vitamin related with the hypothyroidism causing deficiencies.

Chippysue profile image
Chippysue

Magnesium magnesium magnesium

I take a supplement, use the oil and Epsom salt baths

We are all magnesium and selenium deficient!

Gillybean129 profile image
Gillybean129 in reply to Chippysue

But do you get muscle twitching?!

Chippysue profile image
Chippysue in reply to Gillybean129

I used to have twitching eyes and other places and cramps all over - nothing now!

It’s a sign of magnesium deficiency

TSH110 profile image
TSH110 in reply to Chippysue

I will start taking it again. Is it implicated in heart pains too I wonder?

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to TSH110

....... can affect blood pressure I have read :-) - when it is low !

TSH110 profile image
TSH110 in reply to Marz

I have always had very low blood pressure until my latest tests where the systolic has crept just over 140 (from c110) the diastolic remains good at 70. I wonder if magnesium would help. My dad had the same pattern so it could be hereditary. I have had heart pains since my mid 30’s (blimey nearly half my life 😳). I have felt a decline in health since last August but cannot pin point what might be the cause. They say blood pressure has no symptoms mine are all very vague a lack of jour de vive feeling whacked plus some breathlessness.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to TSH110

If you are breathless it maybe worth looking at your Ferritin/Iron levels - also B12 - Folate. There are lots of different Magnesium supplements and some are good for the heart - so have a google ! How are your FT3 levels - also linked to the heart :-)

TSH110 profile image
TSH110 in reply to Marz

I’m afraid I have been remiss about any tests - I felt so normal again on NDT I could not see the point in getting any. I have been looking at it since I started feeling not quite right, but the choice leaves me unsure what to get plus I am brassic so the more detailed ones are not an option at present. May be just the free T3 to start with. I could risk the quack and try and get them to do the iron and whatever else they permit on nhs these days. I always have it in the back of my mind that non Hodkins lymphoma is too common for comfort in my family but think I have an ostrich mentality about it complicated by the underlying fear that I am just a hypochondriac or over anxious about my health due to past experiences relating to non diagnosis of my hypothyroidism. Also if I have no thyroid (atrophy not surgical removal) I can’t see how I can get cancer in something that does not exist. Clearly I have been worrying more about this blip in health than I realised 🙄. I am also very phobic of being sent for an MRI scan to the extent that I think I would rather die than go in one of those again - crazy or what? If I think there is any chance (no matter how remote) of being sent for one I simply will not take any further action. There’s no accounting for the workings of my mind. Part logic, part phobic.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to TSH110

Testing vitamins and minerals should not be too taxing or controversial - and if found to be low - could be a simple answer to some of your issues :-)

TSH110 profile image
TSH110 in reply to Marz

Yes it is a good first step - I will make an appointment and take it from there.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to TSH110

:-)

Clarrisa profile image
Clarrisa in reply to TSH110

I am in a American Cancer Society cancer prevention study. The preliminary results they send keep pushing exercise. They said this ongoing study "provided the first US- based evidence linking increased sitting time with early death ...". Thanks for reminding me of this!

Poppy_the_cat profile image
Poppy_the_cat in reply to Clarrisa

Hi Clarrisa,

My brother keeps telling me so!

Physical activity is vital, but sometimes it's so hard. We all need to start with baby steps..just a little walk even...

In India for example where folk crouch down and squat traditionally, because the thigh muscles and calf muscles get stretched, fall over and falls in the elderly are unheard of.... whereas we in the West who have such a sedentary life almost expect the elderly to dodder and fall!

We have not physically caught up with our so called civilised evolution!

So...it's back to milking stools for all of us I suppose instead of those padded recliners!

😋

SilverAvocado profile image
SilverAvocado in reply to Poppy_the_cat

Poppy_the_cat and Clarrisa a really excellent book about exercise I used to have contained this advice: sitting is better than lying, standing is better than sitting, walking is better then standing, running (jumping, dancing, walking stairs, etc) is better than walking.

It's a useful technique for getting extra activity into your life. Figure out a few points in your usual routine where you can move up the scale.

I recently heard on a holistic medicine podcast that adding extra activity to your normal life can be as good or better than organised exercise. The example the doctor gave was that he rolled out of bed onto the floor to roll around and do some informal stretching. Then downstairs waiting for his breakfast to cook, danced to a song on the radio.

I found this very interesting, because as someone who doesn't have great mobility I can still insert a few very organic active things into my day.

Poppy_the_cat profile image
Poppy_the_cat in reply to SilverAvocado

🤣🤣🤣🤣

Superb, I love it!

Even just singing boosts us!

Deep breathing... anything other than total static pose!

Thank you...am off to sing and dance for my ginger tea now...xxx

SilverAvocado profile image
SilverAvocado in reply to Poppy_the_cat

Hehe, I hear the ginger refuses to brew until it has had a song, so better give it a good one ;)

Poppy_the_cat profile image
Poppy_the_cat in reply to SilverAvocado

How about "The Laughing Policeman"!!!! X

Clarrisa profile image
Clarrisa in reply to SilverAvocado

Thank you, I will take this advice to heart🚶🏻‍♀️...

TSH110 profile image
TSH110 in reply to Clarrisa

At least I have an active job so rarely sit except at weekends! Does cycling count as sitting I wonder. I suppose the less active you are the more likely you are to be unhealthy but which comes first the illness causing inactivity or the inactivity causing illness. I am

Not sure pushing your body to exercise is always a good idea if your thyroid is up the spout. I bet there are people who have meditated in the lotus position for decades and attained not only enlightenment but longevity! And plenty of active people who croak long before reaching the 3 score and ten! There are a bunch of crazies who eat virtually nothing and never exert themselves because they believe this is the key to living the longest number of years possible. I am more a quality than quantity person myself

Clarrisa profile image
Clarrisa in reply to TSH110

The quality over quantity was my father's philosophy. Unfortunately it didn't hold up when it came right down to the last wire (nine trips to the hospital seeking acute care). He lived to be 90 however so what can I say.

TSH110 profile image
TSH110 in reply to Clarrisa

Gulp! Goes to show you don’t always get what you want 😳

Katherine123 profile image
Katherine123

I had twitching especially at night when I was trying to sleep when I was under medicated on levothyroxine and my B12 and magnesium was low. I also had and still have quite a bad electrolyte problem, so I have to make sure I get plenty of sea salt, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Otherwise I have headaches, the twitching is worse, and I feel like I have been on the booze the night before (and I don't drink) :0/

I also have very low blood pressure.

TSH110 profile image
TSH110 in reply to Katherine123

That’s a bit harsh - none of the fun but all of the punishment of a drinker when you are tee total life sucks with this disorder!

Katherine123 profile image
Katherine123 in reply to TSH110

I giggled! :0) I had only recently discovered the problems I have with electrolytes TSH110 I have been diagnosed with ME/CFS, have hypothyroidism and my B12's have to be over a 1000 as I have neurological symptoms, I also have low cortisol. I was so bad with palpitations and weakness I went to accident and emergency and they gave me 2 bags of saline and I felt much better. Because I permanently live with hang over symptoms, or I have flu all the time, or those after feelings from a bad tummy bug. I googled why do you get a hangover, this made so much sense to me a hangover in the morning is due to electrolyte imbalances, if you have flu or a tummy bug you have imbalances too, and sportsman get it. I had said to myself why do I drag myself through the day with such weakness, why is everyone else running on a 9 volt battery and I am only running on a 1 volt (not even that some days). Chronically low blood pressure and daily headaches :0( So I am working on my electrolytes and having lots of good fats. Early days yet but my headaches have receded into the background (still there but not bad), my muscles seem to be responding and I have regained my focus (I felt like a adult that just got ADHD). I feel a teeny tad better like I am running on 1 1/2 volts at the moment. My mornings were the worst!!! I did not realise that low electrolytes and dehydration run hand in hand. So before I get out of bed I put a couple of crystals of sea salt under my tongue, dissolve and then drink a full glass of water and then a teaspoon of raw coconut oil and just eat it (disgusting) :0/ but I can now get out of bed without feeling dizzy, swaying, heart racing off at 140 bpm :0)

I then researched hypothyroidism and low electrolytes and there it was! I then researched Migraines and there it was! I then researched Amoxicillin and other antibiotics (I always go down badly after antibiotics, my B12 goes down badly after them too) and there it was electrolytes problems.

sorry I wrote you a book darling :0)

TSH110 profile image
TSH110 in reply to Katherine123

That is very interesting indeed and makes so much sense. I stopped drinking because I got terrible hangover symptoms on just one drink which may have been due to undiagnosed hypo and poor ability to metabolise and remove toxins. I avoid alcohol even now. If I weaken I really pay the price. When I was overtly hypothyroid I could not bear any salt perhaps because of iodine in it but now I crave it and just follow my inclinations. The more I read the more I seem to end up at magnesium supplementation for my problems. I hope you continue to get improvements.

Katherine123 profile image
Katherine123 in reply to TSH110

I became alcohol intolerant when I got ill darling. I was always a light weight drinker and only on occasions, but I could not tolerate even one drink after becoming ill, alcohol I later learned takes all your B vitamins down, especially B1 and B12, antibiotic's do this too. I am working on salt levels, potassium, magnesium and calcium levels and getting all my B's. If you are craving salt TSH110 your body is trying to tell you something you are not holding onto your fluids well.

Katherine123 profile image
Katherine123 in reply to Katherine123

And I am not sure if we can put links on here darling, here is a good link from Stop The Thyroid Madness which shows how important electrolyte's are to thyroid health.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/p...

If it's not allowed to put a link I am sure a moderator will come in and remove it...

TSH110 profile image
TSH110 in reply to Katherine123

It is allowed and thanks 😉👍🏽😊

sluggish profile image
sluggish

I have had these twitching muscles in my legs for 18 months which I find so uncomfortable that you can't concentrate on anything else. I now have the capsule called Gabapentin which is fantastic in completely stopping these twitches.

Mikka profile image
Mikka

I get this twitching eye as well and it is always resolved with a magnesium bath.

I have the spray too but the bath (1/4 of a packet) is really effective. By the time it gets to eye twitching you would probably need 2 baths a few days apart to begin to restore levels. The pure magnesium flakes by Better You are currently on offer in Holland & Barrett if you are in the UK. The same company also do really good vitamin sprays (B12, VitD, VitK & Turmeric as well). Xx

Gillybean129 profile image
Gillybean129 in reply to Mikka

I also use their sprays, except I have run out at the moment!

Mikka profile image
Mikka in reply to Gillybean129

I have their himalayan salt :) Just that for the twitching you need lots of magnesium so I'd go for pure magnesium for a while.

dolphinfitness.co.uk/en/wes...

Gillybean129 profile image
Gillybean129

I usually buy the Epsom salts from Westlake (?) I pay about £2.50 when they are on offer, you can also get them at this price at Poundland!

Terricotta profile image
Terricotta

I often get twitches if my calcium/magnesium levels are out of kilter. A very easy thing to solve. It's basically an electrolyte imbalance. Similar to when you get cramps when your sodium levels are low. Some salt on the tongue can often remedy this. Nothing at all to worry about.

kpl110 profile image
kpl110

Are you post surgical hypothyroid? If so it would be important to get calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels checked. If both of these are low, then the twitching may be symptoms of low calcium from post surgical Hypoparathyroidism. I have had this since my thyroid surgery in 12/09. Sometimes I feel the Hypopara is worse than the hypothyroid even to deal with.

Forevertiered profile image
Forevertiered

Lyme disease infects your CNS. Central nervous system. Neuroborreliosis causes all muscles to twitch

LisaBek profile image
LisaBek

I have been getting twitching all over my body it is making me crazy. I still have not figured out why or how to get rid of it. Had every test imaginable done. My TSH level is ok but my T4 is a bit low. I am starting thyroid meds to see if that helps.

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