Muscle twitching suddenly? When to see a doctor

In medical terms, muscle twitching is called fasciculation. It happens when a specific nerve suddenly becomes active.

Have you ever experienced sudden eyelid twitching, leg muscle twitching, or strange shaking of the hands and feet even while resting? Many people panic when they see these symptoms. It seems like a sign of a serious illness! But the reality is that most of the causes of sudden muscle twitching or twitching throughout the body are not harmful. However, in some cases, it is also important to be careful. Doctors talked about this in a report by the Times of India. It has been revealed why this happens and when it is necessary to see a doctor.

Common causes of muscle twitching

In medical terms, muscle twitching is called fasciculation. It is a very small, involuntary contraction of the muscle, which feels like a light jump, tremor or wave under the skin. It can also occur in the eyelids, feet, hands, arms, and even the tongue. It happens when a specific nerve is suddenly activated. Most of the time, it is a normal reaction of the body. Muscle tremors can occur for various reasons. These are:

1. Stress and anxiety

Excessive anxiety or tension increases hormones like adrenaline in the body. As a result, the nerves become hypersensitive and the muscles start to tremble. When the stress decreases, the problem usually decreases.

2. Excess caffeine

Too much tea, coffee, or energy drinks overexcite the nerves. This can cause the muscles in the eyes, hands, or feet to tremble. Reducing caffeine can relieve it within 2–3 days.

3. Lack of sleep and fatigue

If you do not get enough sleep, the nerves and muscles do not get proper rest. As a result, random tremors can occur, especially in the face, hands, and feet.

4. Excessive exercise or muscle overuse

Heavy exercise or prolonged physical exertion causes muscles to become tired, lactic acid builds up, and temporary nerve irritation develops. Rest usually resolves.

5. Dehydration and electrolyte deficiency

Not drinking enough water, excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can disrupt the balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium in the body. This can cause muscle tremors and cramps.

Not drinking enough water, excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can disrupt the balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium in the body. This can cause muscle tremors and cramps. Photo: Collected
Not drinking enough water, excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can disrupt the balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium in the body. This can cause muscle tremors and cramps. Photo: Collected

6. Nutritional deficiencies

Deficiencies in magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, in particular, are one of the causes of muscle tremors.

Benign fasciculation syndrome

Some people experience repeated muscle twitches in different parts of their body for weeks or months, even though they are not under much stress or fatigue. This is called benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS). It is not a serious neurological disease, nor is it life-threatening. However, many people suffer from mental anxiety, thinking it is a serious disease. In reality, BFS patients have normal muscle strength.

When to see a doctor

While muscle tremors are usually normal, see a doctor without delay if you have the following symptoms—

If muscle weakness occurs with tremors

If the muscle size continues to decrease

If the tremors are limited to one area of ​​the body and gradually increase

If the tongue has been trembling for a long time

If the problem does not improve after a few weeks or months despite rest, sleep, and reducing caffeine

If necessary, the doctor may recommend blood tests, vitamin and electrolyte tests, or EMG.

Sudden muscle tremors throughout the body are not a serious problem. In most cases, it is the result of our busy lives, lack of sleep, stress, or eating habits. Drinking enough water, getting good sleep, reducing caffeine, and controlling stress often resolve the problem. However, if the body repeatedly gives warning signals, it is better to go to the doctor without ignoring them.