Spasms are involuntary contractions that can be triggered by various factors. They fall into three categories: tics, cramps, and seizures. Tics are the most benign, while seizures are the most severe and painful. Any incidence of cramping or seizures should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Spasms are sudden contractions that are involuntary and often accompanied by some degree of pain and discomfort. This process of involuntary contraction can be triggered by a number of different factors, including a medical condition such as an illness or infection, a circulation problem, or some type of chemical imbalance that has an adverse effect on the function of muscles and other fabrics. In general, spasms fall into three categories: tics, cramps, and seizures.
Tic is easily the most benign of all types of spasmodic activity. Most people think of tics as a minor inconvenience that usually manifests itself as eye twitching. However, a tic can also occur as a spasm in the shoulder muscles or a sudden jerky movement of the leg. Contractions of this type can often occur due to when the individual is exhausted or under severe stress, two conditions that can impact central nervous system function. Getting adequate rest and minimizing stress often cause a rapid decrease in the activity of this type of spasm.
A more involved example of spasms is cramping. Unlike tics, cramps tend to last for a long time and can be very painful. A leg cramp can make your muscles stiffen for several minutes or even longer. Often, decreased circulation is the underlying cause of this type of muscle spasm. The situation can also be triggered by low levels of potassium in the body, causing muscles to contract. A balanced diet and massage can help ease the pain of cramps and also minimize the frequency of cramps.
The seizure is the most painful and most severe of all types of spasms. The seizures are often intense and extremely painful. In some cases, a seizure can be so intense that the individual goes into fits, eventually passing out. The seizure can take the form of esophageal spasms, effectively cutting off the individual’s air supply. Illnesses such as epilepsy and diabetes can trigger the incidence of spasms of this nature. Identifying the underlying health condition and treating it effectively will in turn help reduce the risk of seizures.
While it is not unusual for people to experience spasms in the form of tics or twitches from time to time, any incidence of cramping or seizures should be reported to a doctor immediately. Since some of the underlying causes are associated with the most severe types of spasms, quick treatment can not only eliminate the contractions, but also make it possible to treat a health problem before it can become life-threatening.
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