Re: twitching

Posted By CCF Neuro MD on August 10, 1997 at 09:29:49:

In Reply to: twitching posted by Godelief Gomperts on July 15, 1997 at 10:01:34:








I am a 40 year old female who has been experiencing superficial twitches ,
mainly in my calves but somtimes in my abdomen or arm,for about
a year and a half now.It all started about a month after I pulled
a calf muscle.I have seen several doctors and they tell me it is
a overuse syndrome(I used to play a lot of tennis and didn't give
enough time for calfmuscle to heal).So I have refrained from real
physical activity(no tennis etc) for the last 9 months now.
The twitching is diminishing but is always there more actively
after some activity(pe after a morning a of shopping).I would
like to find out if rest will eventually solve this problem and
I would like to hear your opinion of the cause of this problem.
I appreciate any info I can get.Thank you very much!!
                                                  Godelief




Hello, Godelief,
  There are a lot of things that can trigger muscle twitching.  They can be either pathologic (as a part of disease process) or physiologic.  Depending on the characteristics of the muscle contraction (the twitches), they may represent tremors, which is further divided into resting (at rest), posturing (when limbs are stretched out), and action (when an arm is moved toward a target).  These are much more common on arms, especially on hands.  Each of them can be seen in certain neurological disorders.  
  The body muscle twitching at rest may represents a clinical finding called fasciculations.  Although fasciculations can be seen with motor neuron diseases, pathologic fasciculations are accompanied by atrophy, weakness, and reflex changes.  Sometimes, benign fasciculations are wide spread and may last for long time, and they are not associated with any abnormal findings on neurological exam, or lab studies.  
  Another condition that I can think of is what is called myokymia.  This is a state of successive contractions of motor units, simulating a continuous muscle rippling of the overlying body surface.  This condition, as the others mentioned above, can be a benign condition or a part of a neurological illness.  In general, it reflects the recovery (regeneration) of peripheral nerve following injury.  
  Given a persisting nature of your condition, I think you should see a neurologist for a full evaluation.  We can offer you such evaluation at Cleveland Clinic.  Feel free to call at [phone] ext. 45559 for an appointment at you convenience.  Good luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for the diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.