Very PAINFUL Self-Induced Tetani

[niazdevaj]

Dr. ,
I am a 23 year old med school student. I have this issue that I have asked nearly every neurologist from my school lecturer to NY/DC's top neurologist. I have two issues....

1st - I have the ability to self-induce short bursts of tetani....these are very painful and can be done in nearly ANY muscle group through my body given i flex the muscle hard enough. It takes me total of 3 seconds to undergo tetani if i want it to and will last indefinitely unless i use an opposing muscle to overcome the contraction. It typically will not happen regularly though, but when it does for example, sometimes i will be sitting down and my quadriceps will tetani forcing me to stand up. THis is very painful but I have gotten used to it over time. Even if i work out my abs a little too much I will have this iMMENSE SURGE of contraction in my abdomen that will cause me instinctively to bend towards the knees and i slowly have to stand up to overcome it. There is such strength in the spasm that i can literally feel the fibers of the muscle.

2nd - This is almost a hopeless cause I have given up on but I figured im asking a neurologist so might as well shoot. My ulnar nerve is damaged somewhere in my right arm and it has caused my hand to undergo emaciation and consequent muscle wasting particular in the thenar/hypothenar region. I have pretty much lost a majority of strength in the pinky and ring finger (right deltoid and tricep also slightly wasted). Those two fingers still function and have full sensory as well but I do not know what to do next. The last time i saw a neurologist for this, i kid you not he said come back in 2 years we might have something new. he said it was something like SOBOUI's Disease, never heard of it or found it anywhere else after that. This was about 5 years ago. Naturally I intend on going back but lack of insurance doesnt quite help either. Based on what i have said is it possible to recover full strength in my hand? What do you recommend?
I will pray for you for the rest of my life if you can help me.
-Z

[MG (Admin)]

The first issue is actually quite normal and occurs in many people who over-contract a muscle. Nevertheless, muscle cramps can be more frequent in neuromuscular conditions and the second issue you mentioned would suggest that.
I have never heard of the condition you mentioned and perhaps it goes by another name or you misheard the name?
In any case I would like to know:-

1) What blood work have you done?
2) Have you done an EMG?
3) Is the second issue completely static?

all the best

[niazdevaj]

Hey Doc,
I was never given a blood test for any of the extended visits I went. I did undergo an EMG and they didnt seem to show up anything out of the ordinary.....otherwise im sure my doctor would have said something. And for your last question, you said if my condition was static.....in what context do you mean? The condition with my ulnar nerve is ongoing and doesnt seem to be getting worse or better. Furthermore whats wierd is that i feel what seems to be a 'ganglion' right at the base of my right pinkey finger. I do understand that the contraction of the muscle is a normal phenomenon but it seems to be more pronounced like you said, the only thing I cant comprehend is why would the rest of my muscles respond similarly to the contractions. I would have assumed it would only occur with the muscles involving my right arm since that is where the parathesia is. I dont know if this helps but when i hold both of my arms up in front of me they both seem to quiver/fasciculate.


Thanks again.
Z

[MG (Admin)]

Well I would normally send for a basic metabolic work-up for Ca, Mg kidney + liver function to rule out the simple causes of cramps.
I am very surprised that you say the EMG was normal as it does not fit into what you describe regarding the muscle wasting in th eulnar nerve muscles.
Can you get the report?