Ptsd/muscle Contractions And Waves Of Energy

[Kerr]

I have had an ongoing severe stressor for 9 months. I didn't realize how anxious I was or that I had been having a fight or flight response daily for a very long time. I had the sudden onset of muscle twitches and contractions as well as a feeling of electricity/energy flow through my entire body for about 5 months. It only happens when I am relaxed and until last week, my doctor and I thought it only happened when laying down. We initially though is was a withdrawal reaction from an antidepressant, but it has gone on to long. Last week I was sitting upright in the recliner and was relaxed and the noise just from the words I heard my son speak in his bedroom caused me to contract. The louder his voice was, the more severe the contraction. I was litterly close to convulsing. That is when I realized I had hyper reflexia that resulted in twitches. I though could this be PTSD? I did the research and there is no question about the diagnosis, but could anxiety really cause this? Has anyone else experienced this. My doctor had ordered an MRI, but now after knowing I have PTSD and having read others experiences, I think it might just be anxiety related. It's causing me great concern and is extrememly uncomfortable. My body is tense all the time. This is my first time on here. I hope I get some replys.

 

[J'qel]

If you believe you have experiences that could relate to PTSD you can always seek a therapist for a professional opinion. At the very least if you have had a traumatic event/s happen, you should seek one out. An MRI isn't a bad call, if only to rule some bad stuff out.

 

[ladee]

I will be no help to you at all other than saying ,yes, I am tense all the time.
After removing a major stressor from my life last year,my goal is to get focused on self care.
My first goal is to learn how to breathe! To stop holding my breath and stop shallow breathing.
Sorry I couldn't be more help other than letting you know you are not alone.
Welcome.

 

[Friday]

Yep, I get a lot of muscle & nerve stuff (shakes, spasms, etc.) when my anxiety is running hot, or during a panic attack.

I though could this be PTSD? I did the research and there is no question about the diagnosis,

Sometimes we read stuff and it's like a bolt of lightning... OMFG That's me! It all makes sense now!... & while often we're right, sometimes we just happened to read one of a dozen things that are very much like each other, and that one was first, while any of the dozen would have created the same response had we read them, first. But only one of them is right. And just like if it is a PTSD-anxiety attack or panic attack no amount of treating muscle spasms like they're injury based, or nutrition based, or illness based, or hormone based, etc. will help (much, best, & some will even make things worse), if it isn't PTSD but one of the dozen or so disorders that share a lot of symptoms with PTSD? Same thing. Different disorders have different best treatment. So it's very worth first ruling out other physiological causes & then ruling out other psychological causes. Anxiety is a bitch, regardless of how it's manifesting or what's causing it, but it's also part of many many many disorders.

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

:hug:Welcome to the Forum
I am sorry you are having so much anxiety, and muscle that seem to never relax.

@ladee makes a good point about having breathing changes. When we are anxious, we don't realize that we might be holding our breath (I do) and breathing shallowly.

I realized years ago that when I am anxious, I actually hold my breath, and probably always have. You may think you are relaxed, but your body is still tense. That tension can become your body's habit.

If there is ANY WAY you can afford to get a massage...or several...it can help you "zone in" on your muscles.

Once you have had an MRI to rule out something else going on, you will have a better starting point.

I do hope that you are able to get a definitive answer to the cause of your muscle contractions so you can be treated properly.

The Forum is a great place for information, compassion, encouragement, and empathy! You are in the right place!

AKJ

 

[Peter800]

I have had an ongoing severe stressor for 9 months. I didn't realize how anxious I was or that I had been...

Hello, I am also pretty new on her too and have felt several odd sensations, mostly around my head/brain. The electricity/energy flow you have described caught my attention since I have been experiencing that now for the past few months. It feels as if I had just been electrocuted or there is an extra charge buzzing around my head. I also get a burning sensation on the top of my head at moments when my hair is wet. On top of that, I am constantly dizzy. I have been recently diagnosed and had an MRI and blood tests done, all negative for anything life threatening. This is the scariest moment of my life (I'm only 25).

That being said, mediation does help when I'm in the extreme moment. I've been doing more and more and it does help. Sleeping of course helps, but not being my normal, social self has been the worst part of this whole thing for me.

I hope you and your doctor and figure out what is best for you. My doctors think that drugs such as xanax and other anxiety drugs are good for the short term, but not the long term, so I'm on nothing now...which has been scary. I am seeing a neurologist in a few weeks, which will be the final step in accepting that all of my symptoms do indeed come from PTSD.

I hope your quest for answers is short and you find peace.

 

[Muted]

My legs have been tense for at least the last 6 months. I also have had weird sensations in my head for at least the last month.

 

[LiketheMouse]

My entire body will jolt for no apparent reason. Usually when I'm trying to relax or sleep. So frustrating.