Definition – What is a muscle twitch in the hand?
Muscle twitching is the involuntary contraction of a muscle. Medical experts speak of fasciculation when it is a slight twitching that is visible under the skin. Repeated twitching with movements, i.e. tremors, is called tremor.
Theoretically, all muscles of the hand can be affected. The intensity and duration of the twitching can vary greatly. They are usually harmless, disappear by themselves and do not cause pain. In a few cases, however, they can also be the sign of a serious illness.
Causes of muscle twitches
In the majority of cases, the muscle twitches are not caused by a disease. For example, many people experience muscle twitches shortly before falling asleep. But even so, many people notice muscle twitches from time to time.
In stressful situations or other stressful events, muscle twitches can occur more frequently, for example in the hand. Another harmless cause of muscle twitching is magnesium deficiency. The calf muscles are particularly affected by magnesium deficiency.
Another cause of muscle twitching is stimulating substances such as caffeine. But alcohol or drugs are also possible. In addition, muscle twitching can occur as a side effect of a drug.
Muscle twitching also occurs in the context of hypoglycaemia and overheating or hypothermia. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscle twitching is a typical syndrome. They can occur anywhere in the body.
However, ALS is very rare and is accompanied by other symptoms such as increasing weakness in the arms and legs. Over time, the symptoms become increasingly worse. It is based on the destruction of the nerve cells that supply the muscles.
Muscle twitches also occur in the context of Tourette’s syndrome. In Tourette’s syndrome, there are other symptoms in addition to muscle twitches, such as vocalizations. Another cause of muscle twitching is stimulating substances such as caffeine.
But alcohol or drugs are also possible. Furthermore, muscle twitches can occur as a side effect of a drug. Muscle twitching also occurs in the context of hypoglycaemia and overheating or hypothermia.
In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscle twitching is a typical syndrome. They can occur anywhere in the body. However, ALS is very rare and is accompanied by other symptoms such as increasing weakness in the arms and legs.
Over time, the symptoms become increasingly worse. It is based on the destruction of the nerve cells that supply the muscles. Muscle twitches also occur in the context of Tourette’s syndrome.
In Tourette’s syndrome, there are other symptoms in addition to muscle twitches, such as vocalizations. In multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammation of the nerves in the central nervous system occurs. This does not normally cause muscle twitches.
As a rule, MS manifests itself in other symptoms. The classic symptom is inflammation of the eye nerves, which is accompanied by a deterioration in vision and pain. Other symptoms are paralysis, sensory disturbances and gait disorders.
When the human body is under stress or psychologically stressful situations, the entire body is under an increased basic tension. The basic tension of the muscles is also increased and twitching occurs more easily. Another cause for the occurrence of muscle twitches under stress is that our brain incorrectly passes on signals under pressure. Relief from the stress and an alleviation of the muscle twitches can be achieved through relaxation techniques such as autogenic training or yoga.
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