Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What causes your muscles to twitch? Let your doctor know if: you have a twitch that doesn't go away you notice weakness, tingling, or numbness in the area where you get muscle twitches it looks like the muscle is getting smaller Getting enough sleep, avoiding too much caffeine, and eating healthy foods like lots of fruits and vegetables , can help prevent some muscle twitches.
Inadequate amounts of sleep can change hormonal balance and can alter the underlying excitability of muscles, making muscles more likely to twitch. Incomplete sleep cycles can also alter the storage ratio of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can also change the excitability of muscles.
Too much caffeine — Caffeine interacts with a molecule called ADP, which is essentially the currency for all energy transfer in our bodies at the cellular level. By changing the concentrations of ADP and ATP, excess caffeine can change the amount of energy at the muscle and cause muscle twitching.
Dehydration — Drinking healthy amounts of water allows the muscles to maintain the correct amount of salt in our body, which maintains normal muscle and nerve function.
Losing excessive amounts of water can cause muscle twitching. Thus, small quantities of these elements can cause major changes. Imbalances in these micronutrients — either reduced levels or high levels — can cause muscle twitching. Hormonal — Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid or cortisol, can also cause muscle twitching by altering excitability of nerves and muscles. Medications — Medications can alter the ions in our body pH and lead to muscle twitching. Never take medications prescribed for others.
Always consult your primary care physician if you develop muscle twitching after starting a new medication. Neurological disorders — Certain diseases of the muscles or nerves, brain and spine can cause muscle twitching. Depending on the location, relationship to activity and pattern of muscle twitching, they can be a signature for particular conditions or disorders. Muscle twitches can be noticed, observed or felt, but are rarely painful. Muscle cramps tend to be painful.
Make an appointment with your doctor if your twitching becomes a chronic or persistent issue. During your appointment, your doctor will ask you about your muscle twitching to determine the underlying cause. Your doctor will also perform a physical exam and gather your medical history. Make sure to notify your doctor about any existing health conditions. Your doctor will likely order certain diagnostic tests if they suspect your muscle twitching is due to an underlying condition. They may order :.
These diagnostic tests can help your doctor determine the cause of your muscle twitching. If you have persistent and chronic muscle twitching, a serious underlying medical condition may be the cause. Early intervention can often improve your long-term outlook and treatment options.
The spasms tend to subside without treatment within a few days. But you may need treatment if one of the more serious conditions is causing your muscle twitching. Depending on the particular diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe certain medications to ease symptoms. These drugs include :. But there are some things you can do to lower your risk:. Follow these tips for eating a balanced diet :.
Most adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to stay healthy. Sleep helps the body heal and recover and gives your nerves time to rest. Sleep deprivation may affect how neurotransmitter receptors work. This means excess neurotransmitters may build up in the brain. Drinking too much coffee , tea, or energy drinks that contain caffeine may cause muscle twitching.
Caffeine is a stimulant. When a person has too much of it, caffeine can stimulate muscle twitching anywhere in the body.
The body needs calcium to support proper muscle function. Having a calcium deficiency may cause muscle twitching. Calcium deficiency is known as hypocalcemia. Magnesium also plays a role in keeping the nerves and muscles healthy. Magnesium helps to transport calcium across cell membranes to support nerve and muscle function. Having a magnesium deficiency may cause muscle twitching anywhere in the body, including the face.
Magnesium deficiency is known as hypomagnesemia. If people do not address a magnesium deficiency, it may increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. Having a vitamin D deficiency may cause muscle weakness and twitching. Muscle mass is up to 75 percent water. Water also helps to carry nutrients and minerals to muscles to support their function. When a person does not drink enough water, they may develop dehydration. Having dehydration may cause muscle twitching. Experiencing psychological stress or high anxiety levels may prompt excess muscle tension.
This complication can lead to muscles twitching. Certain medications can lead to involuntary muscle twitching. This reaction may be a side effect or due to interactions with other drugs. People can discuss side effects and drug interactions with the doctor when taking a new medication.
Muscle twitching that is not explained by one of the common causes above may indicate an underlying health condition.
0コメント