Muscle twitching
Definition
Muscle twitches are fine movements of a small area of muscle.
Alternative Names
Muscle fasciculation; Fasciculations of muscleConsiderations
Muscle twitching is the result of minor local muscle contractions or the uncontrollable twitching of a single muscle group served by a single motor nerve fiber or filament.
Muscle twitches are minor and often go unnoticed. Some are common and normal, while others indicate a neurologic disorder.
Causes
- Benign twitches (not caused by disease or disorders)
- Often affecting the eyelids, calf, or thumb
- Normal and quite common, often triggered by stress or anxiety
- A diet deficiency
- Drug overdose (caffeine)
- Drug side effect (such as diuretics, corticosteroids and estrogens)
- Exercise
Symptoms suggestive of a neurological cause of fasciculations include:
- Wasting of muscle
- Weakness
- Other findings of nerve dysfunction
Neurological illnesses where fasciculations are seen include:
- Chronic denervation of muscle due to disk compression of nerve exiting the spinal cord
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myopathy
Home Care
There is usually no treatment necessary.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have prolonged or persistent muscle twitches.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting your fasciculations in detail may include:
- When did you first notice the twitching?
- How long does it last?
- How often do you experience twitching?
- What muscles are affected?
- Is it always the same location?
- Are you pregnant?
- What other symptoms are also present?
Diagnostic tests vary depending on the suspected cause. There is often no need to treat this symptom.
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
