Unexpected Twitches and Curls: An Ongoing Mystery After Strep
Greetings! I felt compelled to share my experience, as I'm still grappling with some perplexing symptoms even after consulting a doctor. I’m a 19-year-old female and I’m currently prescribed Vyvanse daily at a dose of 30mg for ADHD. Additionally, I have been taking clindamycin four times a day and amoxicillin twice daily. My physician advised that I can stop the antibiotics in two days since the latest strep test returned negative. I had been battling a particularly stubborn strain of strep for about 24 days, requiring various antibiotics including amoxicillin and Keflex before this recent course helped me recover (thank goodness!). However, the relief was short-lived as I soon noticed some unusual sensations developing over a span of four days: - **Facial Twitching**: I have been experiencing involuntary grimaces and scowls, along with a noticeable positive Chvostek sign. - **Leg Discomfort**: My legs feel peculiar with a dull aching in the groin area, a general sense of clumsiness, and a certain restlessness. To top it off, my reflexes seem heightened. - **Curled Fingers**: The most concerning symptom is the curling of my fingers. My pinky and ring fingers on my left hand are curling and sticking out awkwardly, resembling an ulnar claw posture though there’s no injury to account for it. When I concentrate really hard, I can temporarily straighten them, and I haven’t lost any sensation, which makes it all the more confusing. This is especially frustrating as I'm left-handed, so it impacts my dominant hand. - **Voice Changes**: I’ve also noticed a shift in my voice; it sounds deeper and I’ve begun to stutter. Initially, I didn’t pay much attention, but it has become more noticeable as time goes on. The extent of the changes fluctuates and I'm not quite sure what triggers the variations. That’s my update for now. If I manage to figure out how to post a picture, I will add one that shows my hand. Other fingers are starting to sit oddly too, yet they can be easily positioned, unlike my troublesome pinky and ring fingers. I’m beginning to see similar curling in my right hand which is worrying. The finger curling began subtly on Saturday, but by Monday, my pinky was fully curled. I should mention that I have ruled out deficiencies in magnesium, calcium, or potassium since my CBC and metabolic tests came back completely normal. My doctor and I initially suspected these deficiencies, but now I’m at a loss for what to do, especially since I was only prescribed muscle relaxers for three days and wasn’t asked to return for further evaluation. As someone who works with young children and typically enjoys my job, I’m apprehensive about returning this Friday with these strange vocal and hand issues. Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my post!
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 10:40:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a variety of challenging and complex symptoms following a recent strep infection. These include facial twitching, leg discomfort, curling of your fingers, and changes to your voice. It’s understandable to feel concerned, especially as these symptoms affect your daily life and job. Let’s break this down to help you prioritize what to focus on moving forward.
Key Points
- Symptoms Overview: Your symptoms, including facial twitching, curled fingers, and voice changes, are significant and unusual.
- Underlying Causes: Potential causes for these symptoms can be related to neurological issues, medication side effects, or a reaction following your prolonged strep infection.
- Next Steps: Follow a structured approach to manage your current situation and document your symptoms.
Explanation
- Facial Twitching & Curling of Fingers: Includes involuntary muscle contractions, which can be due to various factors such as stress, medication effects (Vyvanse, especially), or neurological conditions. The curling of fingers could indicate muscle imbalances, sometimes related to nerve involvements (like ulnar nerve issues or dystonia).
- Voice Changes: Fluctuations in your voice could suggest several things including stress or a reaction to medication. The stuttering might indicate a change in emotional or physical stressors.
- Leg Discomfort: The leg sensations such as clumsiness and restlessness could potentially connect with your medication or a neurological aspect following illness.
Actionable Steps
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms. Note when they occur, their intensity, and any triggers you identify. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider.
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Monitor Medication Effects: Since you're on Vyvanse, review how it might correlate with increased muscle tension or any abnormal movements. These could be side effects, so consider discussing these observations in detail with your physician.
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Visit Your Doctor: Since your symptoms are persisting and evolving, consider requesting a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Be proactive in addressing your symptoms, highlighting the curling of your fingers and any concerns you have.
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Neurologist Consultation: Ask if a referral to a neurologist is appropriate to evaluate these symptoms further, especially since they can help rule out or diagnose potential neurological issues.
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Self-Care: In the meantime, try to manage stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or gentle stretching, which may alleviate some muscle tension. Ensuring you’re well-hydrated and getting adequate sleep can also be beneficial.
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Communication: Inform your workplace about your symptoms if you feel comfortable. This helps create understanding and possibly accommodations as you work through this.
Please remember, it's important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider and advocate for your health needs. If anything worsens or new symptoms arise, seek immediate medical attention. You deserve support and answers regarding these unsettling symptoms. If you have any other specific concerns or more information, feel free to share!
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