Muscle twitches can be caused by exercise, stress, caffeine overdose, medication side effects, nerve damage, or underlying conditions. While most are harmless, some may require medical attention.
A muscle contraction is a small involuntary contraction and relaxation of a muscle group or a single motor nerve. These contractions are very common and usually go unnoticed, but sometimes they can become excessive or uncomfortable and may require attention. The causes of a muscle twitch can vary, from a caffeine overdose to nerve damage. In many cases, the contractions are benign and go away on their own or can be easily treated, although other cases may require medical intervention.
Exercise and stress are two of the most common causes of muscle twitching. Spasms can occur in any muscle in the body during a workout, but are mostly felt in the hands and arms as well as the legs and feet. Contractions usually occur because certain chemicals are released in the body after a stressful workout, which can change the excitability of muscle tissue. Anxiety and stress can also trigger spasms, which can affect both the body and the face. Stress-related contractions are often thought to be the result of an internal fight-or-flight response, but they can also occur due to the source of the stress, such as dehydration or extreme pain.
Sometimes, the causes of a muscle twitch are benign and not related to a physical disease. Overdosing on some chemicals can cause involuntary spasms in the muscles, and this is especially true for drinks that contain caffeine. Additionally, some medications, such as estrogen, diuretic, and corticosteroid therapies, can have muscle twitching as a side effect.
While most of the things that cause contractions are harmless, others can be more serious. If the involuntary spasms are caused by an underlying condition, they will often be one of many symptoms. For example, Lou Gehrig’s disease can cause spasms along with muscle weakness and cramps, as well as slurred speech and shortness of breath. Anemia, in addition to muscle contractions, can cause headaches, dizziness or fatigue.
Twitching can also be an indication of damaged or pinched nerves. There are more than 100 different types of nerve damage and they have a wide variety of causes. Some damage can be caused by autoimmune disease or cancer; others may occur due to motor neuron disease or trauma. While these conditions have a number of additional symptoms, motor nerve damage also sometimes causes paralysis, weakness, and muscle wasting.
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