Muscle twitches are fine movements of a small area of muscle.
Alternative Names:
Muscle fasciculation; Fasciculations of muscle
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.
Common 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.
Review Date: 3/5/2007
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.
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Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease)
