Do you experience involuntary muscle twitching, sometimes known as fasciculation? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Many people suffer from this problem in various ways. You may have short spasms of the activity or a longer-lasting twitch that won’t seem to go away. It can cause significant discomfort and anxiety in patients.
According to a survey by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, approximately 10 million Americans experience muscle twitching at some point in their lives. From 1 to 2 percent of any population may have this symptom.
Uncontrollable muscle twitching can range from mild to severe. The causes of muscle twitching may vary widely. They range from temporary nutritional deficiencies to serious neurological diseases. If it is bothersome or painful, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment options. In this blog post, we will discuss the types of uncontrollable muscle twitching, their causes, and diagnosis techniques.
What is Muscle Twitching?
Muscle twitching is an uncontrollable twitching of the body. It is usually due to muscle fatigue or overstrains. It can occur in any part of the body but most commonly in the arms and legs. It is due to the high concentration of motor neurons in these regions. Motor neurons send signals from the brain to the skeletal muscle fibers. Thus, this generates movement. Additionally, muscles in the arms and legs move more often than other body parts.
The muscle twitches of the body can be brief and localized. They can last for extended periods and involve multiple muscles. The twitching of the body can range from mild to severe, with some cases resulting in painful spasms.
Muscle twitching is a common symptom of many medical conditions. It includes neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Treatment options depend on the underlying cause. They include physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle changes. The lifestyle changes involve improved nutrition and adequate rest. Knowing the causes of muscle twitching can help you identify the underlying issue.
Causes for Muscle Twitching
Muscle twitching can have many causes. These can range from:
- Muscle fatigue and muscle strain to vitamin deficiencies
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Metabolic disorders
- Neurological conditions, and more
Common causes of muscle twitching include:
- Fibromyalgia
- Myasthenia gravis
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- And chronic muscle strain due to repetitive movement
Besides these conditions, uncontrollable muscle twitching could be due to vitamin deficiencies. They include B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and potassium or electrolyte imbalances.
Metabolic disorders such as diabetes can also lead to twitching of the body. Diabetes can cause muscle twitching due to a variety of factors:
- High blood sugar levels. When blood glucose levels are too high, the body can’t use it properly for energy. This can lead to an electrolyte imbalance essential for muscle contraction and relaxation.
- High insulin levels. It can also cause changes in the metabolism of muscle cells. Thus, it contributes to an increased rate of twitching.
- Some diabetes medications can provoke muscle twitching as a side effect.
More Serious Causes
More serious causes of twitching of the body include:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- A pinched nerve
- Muscular dystrophy
- And motor neuron diseases
Twitching can also be due to a stroke, injury to the spine or brain, an electrolyte imbalance, or an infection.
If muscle twitching persists for more than a few days and does not resolve on its own, you should consult a doctor. It will help rule out any underlying medical conditions.
What Are the Types of Muscle Twitching?
The types of muscle twitches include involuntary fasciculations and clonus forms. They are classified according to their duration, size, and pattern. Uncontrollable muscle twitching occurs in any body part. It can be the eyelids, arms, legs, abdomen, and face.
Involuntary twitching can be due to localized nerve damage. It can also occur due to neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. These uncontrollable contractions relate to myoclonus. The twitching is usually brief and irregular in nature. Some patients with myoclonus experience jerking movements. They alternate between two body parts; this type of twitch is called a dystonic tremor.
Fasciculations are another type of twitching of the body. It occurs when a single motor unit contracts uncontrollably. This type of twitch is known as “benign fasciculation.” It can be due to strain or fatigue. It usually affects the arms or legs. But it may occur in other areas of the body, such as the face or abdomen.
Clonus is another type of uncontrolled twitching. It involves rhythmic jerking or spasms of a muscle group. Clonus often occurs after a person has been immobile for an extended period. It is due to lowered muscle tone in that area.
How is Muscle Twitching Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of muscle twitching usually consists of:
- A combination of physical examination
- And laboratory tests
During the physical exam, a doctor will look for signs of muscle weakness or atrophy. To diagnose the cause of muscle twitching, doctors will ask questions about the pattern and duration of symptoms. The questions will also be about recent medications and any illnesses or injuries. Doctors may also order tests to help determine if there are underlying causes, such as:
- Low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- An electrolyte imbalance
- Or nerve damage due to diabetes
In some cases, an electromyography test is appropriate. It can measure the electrical activity of your muscles.
Additionally, X-rays or MRI scans can provide more information about potential causes. After all the test results, your doctor can diagnose the causes of muscle twitching. If there are no causes, then twitching is usually treated symptomatically rather than with medication.
Treatment for Muscle Twitching
Treatment depends on what causes muscle twitching. Treating the underlying cause helps reduce or eliminate the symptoms. Some medications can reduce spasms and relax muscles. In severe cases when medications are not helpful, physical therapy can improve strength and mobility affected by muscle twitching.
Medications and physical therapy may provide some relief in cases where the twitching is due to a neurological disorder, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Surgery can also treat uncontrollable muscle twitching. Depending on the condition and severity, doctors may prescribe anti-seizure medications. They help reduce spasms and relax muscles. Botox injections can also relax muscles in certain areas of the body that are prone to twitching.
For those people who experience twitching due to other underlying medical conditions, treatment depends on the specific condition causing it. For instance, some autoimmune diseases may require immunomodulatory drugs. They reduce inflammation in the affected areas. People with diabetes may need insulin or medication. They regulate blood sugar levels and help reduce twitching.
For those who experience uncontrollable muscle twitching due to stress or anxiety, the following lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms. They involve:
- Reducing caffeine intake
- Getting enough rest
- Exercising regularly
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation
In severe cases of stress-related twitching, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are appropriate.
Why Is My Calf Muscle Twitching when Relaxed?
Calf muscle twitching at rest is common. It can be due to various conditions. There are several potential causes of twitching calf muscles at rest:
- Muscle fatigue from strenuous activity
- Dehydration
- And electrolyte imbalance
- Compressed nerves from sitting in one position for too long
- Infections or inflammations of the calf muscles
- Poor circulation due to underlying medical conditions
- Mineral and vitamin deficiencies
If these issues are addressed, and calf twitching continues, other possible conditions may be:
- Anemia
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid problems
- Or neuromuscular diseases like ALS or multiple sclerosis (MS)
Calf twitching can sometimes be due to magnesium or potassium deficiencies. These minerals are necessary for healthy muscle functions. So these deficiencies could cause calf muscle twitching when relaxed and at rest.
While calf twitching isn’t dangerous, the underlying cause of it should not go unnoticed. If fatigue, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance causes muscle twitching, it is quickly fixable. But when calf twitching persists for more than a few days or worsens over time, it is important to seek medical advice immediately.
Get a Consultation from Lone Star Neurology Doctors
Muscle twitching is usually a common symptom with a variety of potential causes. But it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition. If you have persistent or disturbing twitching, see a doctor for further evaluation.
Our Lone Star Neurology professionals will help diagnose the causes of muscle twitching. They will develop a personalized plan to manage your condition. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people can live normal and healthy lives.
FAQs
- Why is my leg muscle twitching?
Leg muscle twitching is due to minor nerve or muscle irritation, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalances. Other potential causes include muscle overstrain or fatigue from exercise. Stress, anxiety, and certain medications can also cause muscle twitching.
- What makes muscles twitch?
Muscle twitches occur through the rapid excitation of muscle fiber groups. This can happen for several reasons: fatigue, stress, dehydration, or an electrolyte imbalance. Twitches can also be if a muscle is overactive or tight. It is due to poor posture and incorrect exercise mechanics.
- What are twitching muscles a symptom of?
Twitching muscles can be a symptom of various medical conditions:
- neurological disorders;
- low levels of calcium or magnesium in the body;
- and nerve or muscle conditions.
It can also be a cause of fatigue, stress, anxiety, or overstrain of certain muscles. In some cases, twitching can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
- Is muscle twitching serious?
Muscle twitching can range from mild to severe. You should not ignore it. It is best to see a healthcare professional if you have persistent or severe twitching. As it can result from an underlying condition. They are multiple sclerosis, a pinched nerve, or an electrolyte imbalance.
Please, leave your review
4 Comments
Amanda Evans
06/11/2023
This really helped, I know realise I I need to speak to my GP.
A. Martin
29/11/2023
Thank you. I suffer from twitches all over my body in various places (lips, legs, both hands, thighs, arms, back of arm near shoulders feet and on my back). The persistent ones are on the side of my hand by the baby finger ( freaks people out when I show it to them). They don’t hurt, but, VERY AGGRAVATING…seemed to be more pronounced when I try to sleep or rest. I cry in private because I hate them so much and ask myself, “Why me”. I am a type 2 diabetic. These symptoms were pronounced and more frequent after being hospitalized for 3 months with covid. I wish so much that they’d stop! The info you provided really help. I intend to apply some of the recommended cures to see if it decreases and it’s not a more serious diagnosis. Thank you
Gavin lonergan
11/01/2024
palmaris brevis syndrome is probably what’s causing the side of your palm twitching it can be from injury or over use like mobile phone use or computer mouse
S.m.
07/02/2024
A. Martian the same happens to me and no one can figure it out. Have you?
Write a comment: