I'm a first time poster, and I am looking for some support here. I admit I have health anxiety. In December I had a couple minor dizzy spells, and went to my doctor who thought it was allergies. But for some reason I became worried I had MS. I now realize this is dumb. But just as I was really anxious about this I developed these weird tingly/crawly feelings which persisted for weeks. I went to a neuro, who happened to be as MS specialist. He ran all kinds of blood tests and brain/spine MRIs with and without contrast. All were normal. After they went away I went about my business, but they came back a month or so later. They aren't as bad though. But today I got really freaked out. I was trying on some clothes and all of a sudden felt my hand and forearm shaking. For about 5-10 minutes, it trembled quite a bit when I would hold something or squeeze my hand or hold it in a position against gravity. Then tonight I had a weird head rush. The trembling hand seems to be back to about normal. Can all this be anxiety? I am still worried about MS because the doc said the MRI with contrast is 98-99% Why can't I be satisfied with that? Any advice, input? Thanks!

could be anxiety with hypochondria
do learn how to relax and get more exercise

Hi Curious. You sound exactly like me. I went to a neuro back in December for weak, achy legs. When my regular doctor told me I needed to see a neuro, I started to develop weird sensations--internal trembling/vibrations, buzzing in my feet, twitches all over. My neuro also specializes in MS and right off the bat (after doing a couple tests in the office) said she didn't think I had MS, but she ordered the mri with and without contrast. It showed no MS. She thinks I might have a mild case of fibromyalgia brought on my sleep deprivation, lack of vitamins, and post-partum depression (I was nursing my 6 month old around the clock, every two hours, and he was huge. He was, quite literally, sucking the life out of me). She suggested anti-depressants but I opted not to take them. My legs have improved only a little, and so have the buzzings and twitchings. However, I'm like you in that everytime I feel these sensations, despite the reassurance of my doctor, I keep thinking about MS. I'm sure this doesn't help the situation, and in fact is probably the cause (the anxiety I mean). I go back to see the neuro for a follow-up in April...I'm curious to see what she will say about these sensations that don't go away. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I can totally relate!

Thanks kalaha.

Let me know what the neuro says. I am thinking about going back but am going to try and give it time. I cancelled my inital follow-up when my symptoms went away. Unfortunately the one I saw didn't offer any possibilities as to what might be bothering me. I was so happy my MRI was clear I didn't even ask at the time! Is your neuro confident about the reliability of MRI with and without contrast?

Thanks kalaha.

Let me know what the neuro says. I am thinking about going back but am going to try and give it time. I cancelled my inital follow-up when my symptoms went away. Unfortunately the one I saw didn't offer any possibilities as to what might be bothering me. I was so happy my MRI was clear I didn't even ask at the time! Is your neuro confident about the reliability of MRI with and without contrast?
My neuro was so confident that I didn't have MS just from examining me that she didn't even want to do the MRI. But to ease my mind she did it and said that it would show lesions if I did indeed have MS. She did not tell me a percentage of accuracy, but she insisted that I did not have MS. I asked if I might be in the early stages of MS, before anything on the MRI shows up. To this she replied that there is no early stage, and you either have it, or you don't.

Thanks. I would say that is very comforting!

Hi kalaha,

Just wondering how you're doing and when you go back to the neuro. I can't seem to get rid of the tingling, but I am trying to wait it out. It did seem to subside once before....

Hi Curious,
I go back to the neuro next week (12th). The last couple of days my inner vibrations have been very noticeable...don't know why some days they're worse. By the way, have you considered fibromyalgia as the cause for your tinglings/twitches. My neuro is the one that suggested that I might have that. Check out the message board for fibro...you will find people with symptoms like you are describing. Are you also taking a good multi-vitamin with the B vitamins and magnesium/calcium? These vitamins are essential for a calm nervous system. Hang in there!!

Thanks kalaha. I did start taking the B-complex, B12, and D lately, along with fish oil. Good luck with your apptmt. Let me know what she says. Mine seem ok some days and worse some days too. I haven't considered fibromyalgia - I guess because I thought it was often associated with pain, which I don't have. But who knows....

I'm still trying to hold off on the neuro, but I'm sure I'll end up back there if this doesn't improve. I'm going to try and find someone to do cognitive behavioral therapy.

I'm still trying to hold off on the neuro, but I'm sure I'll end up back there if this doesn't improve. I'm going to try and find someone to do cognitive behavioral therapy.


I think therapy is a great idea. I, too, have been considering it but can't seem to find the time (2 small kids at home). I have also banned looking up my symptoms on the internet. The other week I decided to look up this symptom I have--a fine, dark line running from my cuticle to the end of the nail on my thumb--thinking that it might indicate a vitamin deficiency or something similar. Of course it says that a dark line on a fair skinned person is always cause for alarm, and especially if it is on the thumb nail. It is often indicative of malignant melanoma under the nail. Well, you can imagine my state after reading that. I phoned the dermatologist, and luckily got into see him the next day. He said it is a freckle staining the nail. A harmless freckle.

I'll surely let you know the results of my upcoming neuro check-up. I hope you are enjoying the great spring weather (I'm in the midwest). And thanks for caring.

Hi kalaha,

Just wondering how your appointment went and how you're doing. I am feeling better lately in terms of my anxiety, but that may be because I just got back from a relaxing vacation in the Dominican Republic. We'll see how things go. I have to admit though, that when I first got to the Dominican I was worried what would happen if I needed medical attention! We were in the middle of nowhere! But I felt better once we got to our villa. I am about to start CBT therapy - well at least my therapist is referring me and I'll do it in the next month or two. I think that my tingles tend to be milder the less importance I give them. Well, hope all is well with you.

Thanks for checking in on me! Your vacation sounds great...I think the sun is a great healer. My appointment went well. She asked me about my symptoms. She reassured me that the vibrations/twitching are just the result of a worn-out, out of shape body (muscles can vibrate when fatigued, and also when electrolytes are out of balance, according to the doc). She does not want to see me again unless I develop new symptoms or my symptoms worsen. I also don't notice the strange movements of my body when I am busy and having fun. So...that's what I am going to try and do. Keep me informed about the therapy...if you like it, if you think it works.

Oh great, glad the appointment went well. Sounds like a good plan - keeping busy and having fun, that is. Helps keep the worry away - of course that's sometimes easier said than done. I will let you know if the therapy helps with that. In the meantime, take care!