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Muscle twitching

Definition

Muscle twitches are fine movements of a small area of muscle.

Alternative Names

Considerations

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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.