Muscle spasms (cramps)
Alternative names:
spasms, muscle
Definition:
Muscle spasms or cramps are contractions of the muscles and are often painful. 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.
Considerations:
Muscle cramps most often occur in the foot or in the calf muscle.
Muscle twitches are minor and often go unnoticed. Some are common and normal, while others indicate a neurologic disorder.
Common causes:
MUSCLE SPASMS MUSCLE TWITCHING - benign, nonpathologic fasciculations (not caused by disease or disorders)
- often affect the eyelids, calf, or thumb
- normal and quite common, often triggered by stress, anxiety
- a diet deficiency
- drug overdose
- drug side effect (such as diuretics, corticosteroids and estrogens)
Note: There may be other causes of muscle spasms. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for muscle spasms, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
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