Muscle crampsDefinition: Muscle cramps are involuntary and often painful contractions of the muscles which produce a hard, bulging muscle. Muscle twitching (fasciculation) is the result of spontaneous local muscle contractions that are involuntary. Typically, these contractions only affect individual muscle groups connected to (innervated by) a particular motor neuron. This twitching does not cause pain.
Alternative Names: Cramps - muscle
Considerations: Ordinary muscle cramps are common and may be stopped by stretching the affected muscle. Muscle twitches are minor and often go unnoticed. Some are common and normal, while others indicate a neurologic disorder.
Common Causes: Muscle spasms can cause cramps and are usually brought on by the following: Muscle twitching may lead to cramping and may involve the following: - Benign, nonpathologic fasciculations (not caused by disease or disorders)
- Often affecting the eyelids, calf or thumb
- Commonly triggered by stress, anxiety
- Diet deficiency
- Side effects of drugs, especially diuretics or caffeine
More serious causes of fasciculations -- such as motor neuron disease, muscle diseases, or denervation -- are usually accompanied by weakness and atrophy of the affected muscle group, as well as other signs and symptoms.
Home Care: Slow stretching often brings relief. Follow prescribed therapy.
Call your health care provider if: - There are severe, prolonged or recurring muscle spasms or cramps that aren't relieved by simple stretching
- There are prolonged or persistent muscle twitches that are unexplained, especially if they are accompanied by weakness or muscle wasting
What to expect at your health care provider's office: Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination. Medical history questions documenting your muscle spasms may include the following: - When did the spasms first begin?
- How long do they last?
- How often do you experience muscle spasms?
- What muscles are affected?
- Is it always the same location?
- Are you pregnant?
- Have you been vomiting, had diarrhea, excessive sweating, excessive urine volume or other possible cause of dehydration?
- What medications do you take?
- Have you been exercising heavily?
- Have you been drinking alcohol heavily?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: - Blood tests for disorders of the following:
- Calcium, potassium, or magnesium metabolism
- Thyroid function
- Kidney function
- Pregnancy test
- Electromyography
- Myelography
Pain relievers (analgesics) may be prescribed. Job, school and home lifestyle, as well as the role of alcohol use, may be explored.
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