Almost all of us will have experienced a fasciculation at one time or another.
A fasciculation is simply a small, involuntarymuscle twitchthat occurs spontaneously on any body part.
Thetwitchcan be large enough to be felt but generally not large enough to cause a muscle jerk.
Jeannot Olivet / E+ / Getty Images
However, in a condition called benign fasciculation syndrome, these twitches are frequent and widespread.
Jeannot Olivet / E+ / Getty Images
What Causes Fasciculations?
With fasciculation, one or a few of these units will fire unprompted.
Fasciculations are generally benign (not harmful) and are more of an annoyance.
Benign fasciculations can also occur at times of stress or illness and even during exercise.
Exercise is, in fact, one of the more common causes.
The twitches typically occur after a person has completed a workout and is at home resting.
Fasciculations sparked by these conditions should not be considered worrisome or in need of medical attention.
Uncommon Causes of Fasciculations
Less commonly, fasciculations may be a sign of something more serious.
These include illnesses or conditions that affect the central nervous system, either directly or indirectly.
The term “benign” is not meant to downplay the disruption the BFS can cause.
One of the most effective means of controlling BFS is relaxation andanxietymanagement.
Stimulants like caffeine should also be avoided.
However, these two disorders are not linked to each other and are different.
In some cases, a change of medication may be all that is needed.
At other times, you may be referred to aneurologistfor testing.
If no cause is found, some medications and stress-management techniques may help reduce the twitching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fasciculations and muscle twitches essentially mean the same thing and are often used interchangeably.
Tremors aren’t the same as fasciculations.
2017;88(16 Supp):852-4. doi:10.1002/mus.26193
Walter TR.Benign fasciculation syndrome.J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother.
2018;58(6):852-854. doi:10.1002/mus.26193
Simon NG, Kiernan MC.Fasciculation anxiety syndrome in clinicians.J Neurol.
2019;60(5):499-507. doi:10.1016/j.psym.2019.04.001
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Cramp-fasciculation syndrome.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.
Cleveland Clinic.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Tremor fact sheet.
