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They come in 5x, 10x and even 20x magnification. You will see a LOT with a 20x mirror. If you still don’t see anything, this does not mean there’s no twitching. “Twitching in a chest muscle feels much different than an irregular heartbeat,” says Dr. Anderson. “Instead of feeling as if it’s coming from deep within the chest, it will ...
Mar 1, 2024 · Muscle twitching can have a number of different causes. Common causes are often benign, meaning the twitching is not due to an underlying disease or abnormality. In rare cases, muscle twitching can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, like ALS or MS.
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Benign fasciculation syndrome happens when you experience continual muscle twitches without having an underlying medical condition. While the twitches can be annoying, they’re harmless. If you develop other muscle-related symptoms, such as muscle weakness and atrophy, it’s important to see a healthcare provider.
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What are the symptoms of benign fasciculation syndrome?
The main symptom of benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS) is frequent muscle twitching. The twitching happens when your muscle is at rest (relaxed). The twitches can last for months or even years. The twitches can occur anywhere in your body, but they most often occur in or around your: Calves. Thighs. Eyelids. Nose. Arms. Hands. Some people with BFS also experience muscle cramps. This is known as cramp-fasciculation syndrome (CFS). Advertisement
What causes benign fasciculation syndrome?
Fasciculation (muscle twitching) happens when a single peripheral nerve that controls a muscle is overactive, resulting in involuntary muscle movement. Researchers don’t know the exact cause of benign fasciculation syndrome. But they know that muscle twitches are associated with the following: Stress. Lack of sleep. Consuming caffeine or alcohol. Anxiety and depression. Strenuous exercise. A recent viral infection. Hyperthyroidism.
How is benign fasciculation syndrome diagnosed?
You’ll likely need to see a neurologist to receive a benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS) diagnosis. Neurologists diagnose benign fasciculation syndrome based on your symptoms and normal findings of the following tests: Neurological exam. Electromyogram (EMG). Certain blood tests, like thyroid and calcium blood tests. Imaging tests of your brain and spinal cord. In other words, a provider has to rule out all possible medical causes (such as neurological conditions) of the frequent muscle twitches. If you have no other signs of these conditions, the provider will likely diagnose you with benign fasciculation syndrome.
How is benign fasciculation syndrome treated?
As the muscle twitches in benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS) aren’t a part of an underlying condition and they’re “harmless,” there’s no specific treatment for the syndrome. Your healthcare provider may recommend trying to lessen or avoid possible triggers of muscle twitches, such as stress, caffeine and strenuous exercise. There’s limited research on the effectiveness of certain medications for BFS. Some research has shown that the following medications may help: Vitamin B complex. Naftidrofuryl (a medication that relaxes blood vessels). Calcium channel blockers, like diltiazem. BFS often causes anxiety, as muscle twitches can be a sign of serious neurological conditions like ALS. Anxiety can also be a trigger of muscle twitches, which can worsen or prolong BFS. Because of this, it’s important to talk to your provider or a mental health professional if you’re experiencing anxiety. Care at Cleveland Clinic Find a Primary Care Provider Schedule an Appointment
Can I prevent benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS)?
Researchers don’t know why some people develop BFS while others don’t, so there isn’t anything you can do to prevent it.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you’re having frequent muscle twitches, talk to a healthcare provider — especially if you’re experiencing other muscle-related symptoms like weakness. If you’ve been diagnosed with benign fasciculation syndrome, your provider may recommend following up with them regularly to make sure you don’t develop any other symptoms of an underlying condition.
What questions should I ask my doctor about benign fasciculation syndrome?
It may be helpful to ask your healthcare provider the following questions: What’s causing my muscle twitches? Should I be concerned about developing ALS or other neurological conditions? What other symptoms should I look out for? Is there anything I can do to treat or reduce the muscle twitches? How often should I see a provider for the syndrome? A note from Cleveland Clinic Constant muscle twitches can be annoying and become concerning. The good news is that experiencing frequent muscle twitches without any other symptoms is usually harmless (benign fasciculation syndrome). If the twitches are bothering you or causing anxiety, talk to a healthcare provider. If you suddenly develop other symptoms, such as muscle weakness, cramps and fatigue, see a provider as soon as possible. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/02/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
Jul 31, 2018 · Caffeine contains stimulants that can cause muscle contractions. If you notice your hands begin to twitch after having your morning coffee or drinking an energy drink, consider switching to a ...
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Nov 13, 2023 · There are fourteen phalanges in each hand; each of the medial four digits has three phalanges (proximal, middle and distal), while the thumb has only two (proximal and distal). The phalanges are interconnected by interphalangeal joints and vascularized via the nutrient rami to phalanges, which stem from the palmar digital arteries.
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Overall, there are fourteen phalanges in the hand, and they are all classified as long bones. They are arranged into three rows of proximal, middle and distal phalanges, except for the thumb, which lacks a middle phalanx. The proximal phalanges are the largest and longest of the phalanges in the hand, while the distal phalanges are the smallest ...
Jul 16, 2019 · The muscles of the hand can be broken down into three main regions: the thenar (lateral or thumb side of the palm), hypothenar (medial or little finger side of the palm) and intermediate (middle of the hand) muscles. The thenar muscles, which form the bulge of muscles evident at the base of the thumb, are essential to the hand’s flexibility ...
