What Is Muscle Twitching?
Muscle twitching, also known as muscle fasciculation, is a condition characterized by twitching or small contractions of muscles in the body. The muscles are of different types and are made up of various fibers controlled by nerves. Any stimulation or injury to the nerve may lead to twitching of the muscle fibers. People experience many types of twitches, which are of less concern, but sometimes, they may require immediate medical attention from the doctor.
What Are the Causes of Muscle Twitching?
Many conditions can cause muscle twitching. While some are minor, others are due to some serious underlying condition. Some of the common causes of muscle twitching are as follows:
Immediately after any physical activity, lactic acid accumulates in the muscles, affecting the legs, arms, and back.
Excessive coffee, caffeine, or any other stimulant consumption may lead to twitching of any part of the body.
Sometimes, stress and anxiety can lead to twitching, called nervous ticks. This type of twitching can involve any part of the body.
Dehydration can cause twitching in the larger muscles.
In smokers, nicotine can lead to twitching more commonly in the legs.
Certain nutritional deficiencies like vitamin D, B, and calcium can cause muscle twitching.
Specific drug reactions like those consuming corticosteroids or estrogen pills may experience muscle twitching.
Eye twitching can be due to irritation of the eye muscles or surrounding areas.
The causes mentioned above are not severe, and affected individuals can recover independently in a few days. However, if an individual is experiencing it after starting any medicine or suffering from any nutritional deficiency, they should consult their healthcare provider. Sometimes, specific causes can be serious, like nerve damage that will require medical attention.
What Are the Most Serious Causes of Muscle Twitching?
Although many muscle twitches are caused by minor conditions and certain lifestyle habits, some muscle spasms can be triggered by more serious underlying causes. These twitches are often associated with issues affecting the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. These conditions may cause damage to the nerves that are connected to the muscles, resulting in twitching. Some of the severe but rare issues that can trigger muscle twitches include:
Muscular Dystrophies: These are a cluster of genetic conditions that progressively weaken and impair the muscles over time. They may induce muscle twitching in regions such as the face and neck or in the hips and shoulders.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is characterized by the death of nerve cells. Muscle twitching can affect muscles throughout the body, although it typically begins in the arms and legs.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy: This condition damages the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, impacting muscle movement control. It can result in twitching of the tongue.
Isaac’s Syndrome: This condition affects the nerves that stimulate muscle fibers, leading to frequent muscle twitching. These spasms typically occur most often in the muscles of the arms and legs.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): CKD can disrupt the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body, potentially leading to muscle spasms.
Myopathy: This neuromuscular disorder affects the function of muscle fibers, resulting in stiffness, cramps, and twitching.
Serotonin Syndrome: This condition arises when there are elevated levels of a chemical called serotonin in the body. It is frequently caused by the use of certain medications and is associated with numerous serious symptoms, including muscle spasms.
Neuropathy: This condition is caused by nerve damage, leading to symptoms such as numbness, pain, and muscle twitches, particularly in the hands and feet.
Hoffmann Syndrome: Painful spasms and muscle weakness define this particular form of hypothyroid myopathy. It typically impacts muscles in the arms, tongue, and legs.
Are Twitching and Spasms the Same?
The involuntary contraction of various muscles causes both the above-mentioned terms or conditions, but there is a minor difference between the two.
A muscle twitching is clinically felt like a short contraction and may occur frequently. It can lead to discomfort in the patient but usually does not cause any pain. On the other hand, a muscle spasm is a condition characterized by prolonged contraction, which may lead to pain. Muscle spasms are usually called muscle cramps and are typically experienced after vigorous exercise.
How Can Muscle Twitching Be Diagnosed?
The diagnostic tests for muscle twitching are described below:
Medical History: When an individual visits the healthcare provider, they will be asked about their symptoms, other medical problems, and details about muscle twitching. For example, the following may be asked:
When did the muscle twitching start?
How often does it occur?
For how much time does it happen?
Location or site of twitching?
Any other associated signs or symptoms?
Physical Examination: The doctor may perform a physical examination if required after the questioning session.
Diagnostic Tests: Specific diagnostic tests may be necessary to check for any underlying condition. For example, the following tests may be done:
Complete blood tests to check for the levels of electrolytes or metabolic disorders.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan to find structural abnormalities and neurological problems.
Assessment of muscles and nerves through electromyography.
Once the diagnosis is made, proper treatment planning may be done, and early diagnosis will help in a better prognosis.
How Can Muscle Twitching Be Treated?
Most of the time, treatment is not required for this condition. It recovers on its own within a few days. But, if an underlying serious medical condition is causing it, an individual may need treatment.
Sometimes, medication can be used to manage the condition, which is as follows:
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Corticosteroids, for example, Betamethasone.
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Neuromuscular blockers like Incobotulinumtoxin A.
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Certain muscle relaxants like Carisoprodol.
Can Muscle Twitching Be Prevented?
Muscle twitching is not preventable, but specific measures can help in reducing the risk of getting it, which are as follows:
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A balanced diet consisting of all types of nutrients.
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Adequate sleep for a minimum of six to eight hours.
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Stress management can be done by meditation, yoga.
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As caffeine intake causes twitching, its intake should be limited.
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An individual must stop smoking because it causes twitching and can lead to serious medical conditions.
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Change the medications. If certain medications are causing the twitching, an individual can talk to their physician about it so their medication will be changed.
Conclusion:
Twitching is common and resolves on its own, but sometimes, it may be due to some underlying condition and requires medical attention. Online medical platforms help in bringing physicians’ consultations to their homes. In addition, they can now know more about this condition by asking a specialist or physician online.