Definition:
Muscle twitches are fine movements of a small area of muscle.
Alternative Names:
Muscle fasciculation; Fasciculations of muscle
Considerations:
Muscle twitching is caused by minor muscle contractions in the area, or the uncontrollable twitching of a muscle group that is served by a single motor nerve fiber or filament. Muscle twitches are minor and often go unnoticed. Some are common and normal. Others are signs of a nervous system disorder.
Common Causes:
- Diet deficiency
- Drug overdose (caffeine)
- Drug side effect (such as from diuretics, corticosteroids, or estrogens)
- Exercise
- Twitches not caused by disease or disorders (benign twitches)
- Often affecting the eyelids, calf, or thumb
- Normal and quite common, often triggered by stress or anxiety
- Come and go, and do not last for more than a few days
Nervous system conditions that can cause muscle twitching: Symptoms that suggest a nervous system disorder include: - Loss of, or change in sensation
- Loss of muscle size (wasting)
- Weakness
References:
Barohn RJ. Muscle diseases. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 447.
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