Fasciculations of muscle

Alternative names:

muscle fasciculation; muscle twitching

Definition:

Fine muscle movements or twitching of a small area 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, 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 twitching. 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.