Twitching muscles: finger, nose, knee

[BRS07]

For several months now, at random times (but a few times a day), the index finger on my left hand will twitch for about a minute and then stop. It is not painful, and I wouldn't bother to bring it up, except that recently it has been accompanied by a couple of other involuntary muscle movements: for about a month the top of the bridge of my nose would twitch in a similar way, and now the muscles around my left knee tighten up in a similar fashion.

As I said these are not painful, but I am worried that they could be signs of a more serious problem. Should I be worried, or see a doctor?

Thanks for your help.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Try to rule out the following causes of similar symptoms and see if you can reach a diagnosis in your case in consulattion with your doctor -

'The origin of most cases is at present unknown and has therefore been given the title benign fasciculation syndrome.
Lower motor neuron lesions
Werdnig-Hoffman disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (rare)
Kennedy disease
Organophosphate poisoning
Benzodiazepine withdrawal
Magnesium deficiency (which can be caused by stress)
Multiple Sclerosis
Dehydration
Fatigue
Lyme Disease

Medications
Other risk factors may include the use of anticholinergic drugs over long periods, in particular ethanolamines such as Benadryl, used as an antihistamine and sleep aid, and Dramamine for nausea and motion sickness. Persons with Benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS) may experience paraesthesia shortly after taking such medication; hours later as it wears off (especially upon awaking), fasciculation episodes begin.'

You could read more about this at the following link -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasciculation

Let us know if you need any opther information.

Regards.

[ladygrace]

Keep an eye on the twitching thing.  It could be dietary where you need certain minerals (calcium, magnesium) or you could be regularly dehydrated or need electrolytes- or it could be neurological.  

I think those little twitches are called fasciculations.  

I had lots of those things going on when I was younger and now I'm ruling out multiple sclerosis in my thirties.  That doesn't mean you are too but I encourage you to listen to your body.  When things strike you as strange, trust yourself.  Don't jump to conclusions other than there's probably a resolution for you that will come with time and listening to your body.  

In the meantime, take care of yourself.  Eat, drink well and be well rested!