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Having Fluttering Sensation And Constant Pain In Calf Muscle. Concerned For Neurological Problem
Posted on
Wed, 6 Mar 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 6 Mar 2013
Answered on
Thu, 28 Mar 2013
Last reviewed on
Question : For the past 12 hours I have had a constant muscle "cramp" in my calf ( muscle closest to the tibia) t feels much deeper than a regular cramp. The only way I can describe it is a fluttering feeling for one second, off for a few and repeat that all day. It does not hurt. I am concerned about some sort of neurological problem. Or a potential blood clot. Last year I had a migraine that resembled MS or a stroke. Saw a neurologist and sh wasn't too worried.
Hello,
Thanks for the query,
If you have cramp/pain in only one site that you have mentioned without any other problem then a possibility of venous obstruction in the leg that need exclusion. Other causes of cramps are low sodium, potassium, calcium in blood. Muscle diseases can also cause cramp, but usually more diffuse than localized like yours. This presentation is not that of MS or stroke.
I advise you to get examined by a physician/neurologist and then decide about the investigations. The investigations that can help diagnose are doppler ultrasound to see any blood clot in your legs, serum CPK and blood electrolytes and blood glucose and thyroid functions. If these are negative you can wait and take simple analgesics/vitamin E supplements and if recurs you must see a neurologist for a detailed evaluation.
Do not worry much as I strongly feel that this problem is not-serious
Please get back to me if you have any concerns
Best wishes
Thanks for the query,
If you have cramp/pain in only one site that you have mentioned without any other problem then a possibility of venous obstruction in the leg that need exclusion. Other causes of cramps are low sodium, potassium, calcium in blood. Muscle diseases can also cause cramp, but usually more diffuse than localized like yours. This presentation is not that of MS or stroke.
I advise you to get examined by a physician/neurologist and then decide about the investigations. The investigations that can help diagnose are doppler ultrasound to see any blood clot in your legs, serum CPK and blood electrolytes and blood glucose and thyroid functions. If these are negative you can wait and take simple analgesics/vitamin E supplements and if recurs you must see a neurologist for a detailed evaluation.
Do not worry much as I strongly feel that this problem is not-serious
Please get back to me if you have any concerns
Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you,
When you say possibility of venous obstruction in the leg that need exclusion...what does that mean? Ruling out the possibility of a blood clot? Should I expect other symptoms if that were the case?
What would a serum cpk indicate?
Also, after how long of this constant fluttering do I go to a dr? See if it changes in a few days?
When you say possibility of venous obstruction in the leg that need exclusion...what does that mean? Ruling out the possibility of a blood clot? Should I expect other symptoms if that were the case?
What would a serum cpk indicate?
Also, after how long of this constant fluttering do I go to a dr? See if it changes in a few days?
Hello,
Yes, I mean blood clot to be excluded. Other symptoms that can be seen are local swelling. Some patient may not have any other symptoms also.
Serum CPK means an enzyme test in the blood, which is elevated in patients with muscle disease.
Best wishes
Yes, I mean blood clot to be excluded. Other symptoms that can be seen are local swelling. Some patient may not have any other symptoms also.
Serum CPK means an enzyme test in the blood, which is elevated in patients with muscle disease.
Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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