Spasticity?

I know that the numbers of people with MS who suffer from spasticity are pretty high. When I do a google search on it, it seems like most of the links point towards an MS site of some sort.

My own problem with this started sometime last year, before I started seeing my Neurologist.... It started in my outer left thigh, somewhat near the knee. Intense muscle spasm- tightening. Doesn't matter if I'm sitting, sleeping, exercising.. it just comes and goes of its own free will. Nothing relieves it. Tried heating pads, "Icy/Hot", and the last time I was at the Neuro's office, she gave me Zanaflex. That actually made it worse, and my spasms kept me awake most of the night. Since then, I have felt them in my left knee, sometimes in my left calf, in my right ankle, right wrist, and so on.. not nearly as severe, but it is worrisome to me that whatever this is (that is causing this problem) is spreading.

My Neuro told me that based on the fact my MRI showed no lesions, she isn't willing to diagnose me with MS. Most of my symptoms do fit, however. Of course they also fit many other issues.. (including Lyme, and I'm in the process of getting tests done with an LLMD out of state to address that possibility. However, thus far, I can't get anybody with Lyme to tell me this is a "Lyme" issue, or that the antibiotics to treat it are getting rid of it).

Can any of you with this issue tell me about your own troubles with spasticity? And what helped for you? And if this in any way led the doctor closer to a diagnosis of MS (instead of something else they might have been leaning towards previously?).

I hear this can be a serious problem if not dealt with.. but if antibiotics for Lyme (if I have Lyme- either alone, or with another health issue) don't get rid of it, then I need to have it addressed before it turns into something worse than it already is. The Topamax I'm currently on for pain is not working very well anymore, and it never worked for this muscle problem. :(

Hi Sylvie,

 

    Sorry about your spasticity issues.  It can be a mild problem for some and others is rather painful which sounds like in your case.  My husband's is mild compared to the other problems he has but Zanaflex didn't do a whole lot for him either.  Most of his spasiticity is in his legs though, Baclophen seems to work a whole lot better for leg spasticity for some reason.   Maybe you can ask your doctor about it and see if that works better for you.  Sometimes gently massaging the area eases the spasm too.  I wish you luck on your search for answers, feel better soon!

 

 

You know Sylvie! It makes me feel better! :O) Eventhough it really doesn't help much, I at least feel I'm trying to do something. I did not know that with the Topamax and neuropathy... I wish my neuro would have told me that, maybe I would have given it more than the 3 mos I was on it. How long have you been on it?  I was taking 75mg, but the dr wanted me to take 100mg.  I couldn't handle the side effects.

Wow! I don't blame you. Yeah, that Topamax can be a godsend for some people and others (like me) just can't tolerate it very much. And it did make me sleep sounder, since I took all of mine at bedtime too, a good weight loss program too. :o)

I'm sorry I can't help you at all. I hope you find something and if you do, let us all know! :o) Off the subject of spasicity, when was your last MRI, if it's been over 6 months, maybe the dr will order another one to see if anything shows up this time.

Wednesday p.m.

 

Dear Sylvie:

 

I take Baclophen, 10mg four times a day for my spacicit

 

Effective for me.  John

 

PS--My mother-in-law is named Sylvie!!

Hi Sylvie,
I'm also on Baclophen for alot of spasticity in my left leg. It helps me alot. I too tried Zanaflex also. Terrible headaches and really did nothing for me.
As far as rubbing the tight muscles, Try stretching them out instead, that will elongate the muscle and possibly reduce the spasticity. That works for me.
Lynn