Muscle twitching

Muscle Twitching

Muscle twitching, also known as fasciculation, is a small, local, involuntary muscle contraction and relaxation which may be visible under the skin. Deeper areas can be detected by Electromyography testing, though they can happen in any skeletal muscle in the body. Muscle twitching can be a symptom of a wide variety of neurological and neuromuscular disorders.

Causes

Muscle twitching can be caused by minor muscle fatigue, nerve damage, and certain neurological disorders. It can also be a side effect of some medications, and some forms of twitching can be triggered by stress or anxiety.

Muscle Fatigue

Muscle twitching can often occur after sustained physical exertion, such as after a workout or other strenuous activity. This is due to the muscles being overworked and fatigued.

Nerve Damage

Damage to the nerves that lead to the muscles can cause muscle twitching. This can occur as a result of injury, disease, or a neurological disorder.

Neurological Disorders

Certain neurological disorders, such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's disease, can cause muscle twitching. In these cases, the twitching is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, or a loss of muscle mass.

Treatment

Treatment for muscle twitching depends on its underlying cause. If the twitching is due to muscle fatigue, rest and recovery may be all that's needed. If it's due to nerve damage or a neurological disorder, treatment may involve managing the underlying condition. This could involve medication, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery.

See Also

• Muscle cramps
• Muscle spasms
• Neuromuscular disease
• Neurological disorders