Reduction in Muscle Twitching Following Ablation Procedure?
A 47-year-old female has experienced muscle twitching that commenced in her lower legs and progressively extended to her arms, torso, and face over the span of a year. During a significant episode of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), her heart rate surged beyond 200 beats per minute and remained elevated for over 30 minutes. This necessitated a 24-hour hospital stay where her heart rate fluctuated between 120 and 180 beats per minute, while her typical resting heart rate is around 80 to 90 bpm. In response, she began a daily regimen of 325 mg of aspirin and 25 mg of metoprolol and eliminated caffeine from her diet, but only noted a slight improvement in twitching. Following an ablation procedure, she observed a remarkable and swift reduction in twitching in her upper body, with progressive alleviation of the muscle spasms in her legs over the subsequent days. Notably, the twitching has not impacted her mobility nor is it detectable by others. Her medical history includes a suspected case of multiple sclerosis (MS) or demyelinating syndrome; however, no lesions were found on MRI scans, which left her diagnosis uncertain. Earlier symptoms have resolved swiftly without any medications, and they appeared sporadically over several years. Notably, her past issues included optic neuritis and sporadic paresthesia over a decade ago. In her more recent medical timeline: - 2016: Contracted Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) leading to severe mononucleosis - 2019: Suffered from shingles - 2021: Experienced shingles again - 2022: An unfortunate repeat of shingles, occurring twice, leading to inquiries about the vaccine; however, the vaccine is not available to her yet as she is under 50. She has never tested positive for COVID-19, having consistently worn a fit-tested mask since 2020 because of a family member with an autoimmune condition. Serial testing has been conducted to rule out exposure. Her health evaluations show normal A1C levels, no vitamin deficiencies, a normal thyroid function, as well as a standard CBC and metabolic profile. Her BMI is currently 33, and she is actively working on improving it. She is a non-smoker and abstains from drugs and alcohol. The only medication she took in the past was 100 mg of spironolactone for hormonal-related acne issues. What could be the reason for the ablation to eliminate twitching in her upper body and lessen it in her legs? Additionally, does anyone happen to know of a neurologist in Atlanta with available slots anytime soon? Her attempts to secure an appointment have so far been disappointing, and she recognizes the strain on healthcare providers’ time. Thank you for taking the time to read her post!
Answers (1)
9/1/2025, 12:22:20 AM
OpenHealth AI
The significant reduction in muscle twitching following the ablation procedure may be related to changes in the nervous system's electrical activity and heart function. Let's break this down:
Main Points:
- Ablation Procedure Effects: The ablation likely influenced the autonomic nervous system, which can affect muscle control and twitching.
- Connection with SVT: Your history of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) might indicate that the electrical impulses in your body were previously exacerbated, potentially contributing to muscle twitching.
- Normal Neurological Evaluations: Your normal test results, along with your medical history, suggest that your symptoms may have a neuromuscular component rather than purely neurological.
Explanation:
- Ablation and Muscle Activity: The ablation procedure is primarily aimed at correcting abnormal heart rhythms. However, by stabilizing your heart's electrical activity, it may have indirectly improved signaling to your muscles and reduced twitching. Often, autonomic dysfunction can lead to both cardiovascular and muscular symptoms, such as twitching.
- History of Viral Infections: Your prior history with Epstein-Barr virus and multiple episodes of shingles raises the possibility of a post-viral syndrome affecting your nervous system, contributing to twitching patterns.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Continue observing your muscle twitching. Note when it worsens or improves, especially after certain activities or factors.
- Lifestyle Management: Maintain a healthy lifestyle that supports your overall well-being—consider balanced nutrition and regular, low-impact exercise to support muscle health.
- Tracking: Keep a symptom diary detailing your twitching episodes' frequency, duration, and any associated activities or triggers. This information can be invaluable for more targeted evaluations with a neurologist.
- Seek Neurology Support: For finding a neurologist in Atlanta, consider:
- Utilizing online platforms like Zocdoc or Healthgrades, which list available specialists.
- Checking with local hospitals or clinics for referrals or on-call services.
- Requesting telemedicine options to expand available choices.
If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, it's essential to seek immediate guidance through the appropriate channels. Your proactive management and awareness of your health are commendable, which will serve you well on this journey. Let me know if you have further questions or need more specific advice!
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