Possible causes

Epilepsy is not a single disease but a collective term for various epilepsy syndromes, which can also manifest themselves in different ways. The only thing that all epilepsy syndromes have in common is that they are caused by increased brain activity and always follow the same seizure pattern. However, this pattern is different for each syndrome.

The most impressive and thus most well-known seizures are certainly the so-called seizures, which are accompanied by myoclonies all over the body, one speaks of grand mal seizures. However, there are also completely different types of seizures, some patients have short-term paralysis, automated hand or mouth movements or even a tingling sensation.Muscle twitching can therefore be a symptom of epilepsy, but it is a very complex disease and only an experienced neurologist can make the diagnosis. A typical trigger for muscle twitches is stress, usually the eyelid starts to twitch, but in principle any muscle in the body can be affected.

The twitching is then absolutely harmless and disappears again after a few days, but is usually perceived as disturbing. Psychosomatic symptoms are symptoms for which, despite sufficient diagnostics, no cause can be found that could fully explain them. In principle, almost any symptom can also be psychosomatically caused, typical examples are pain, tingling, numbness or even muscle twitches.

First of all, purely physical causes must be excluded, only then can the diagnosis “psychosomatic” be made. It is important that the symptoms are not dismissed as “imaginary”, as they can be a great burden for the patient. Psychosomatic symptoms must therefore also be taken seriously and psychotherapeutic treatment must be provided if the patient is suffering greatly.

Diagnosis

The first and most important step, as with any symptom, is a detailed anamnesis, i.e. a conversation with the doctor. Most of the information can already be gathered from this. A good description of the symptoms helps to decide which examinations and therapies are appropriate.

A physical neurological examination should then be carried out to determine further symptoms and complaints. Depending on the patient, further examinations are then performed, especially electromyography (EMG) in the case of muscle twitches. This involves inserting thin needles into the affected muscle, with which the electrical activity of the muscle can be measured.

The neurologist can then use these measurements to draw conclusions about the disease or, of course, to identify a healthy muscle. If it is more likely that the nerve that supplies the muscle is damaged, an electroneurography (ENG) should be performed. This involves sending short, harmless current pulses to the nerves, which then cause the muscle to contract and provide information about the condition of the nerves.

Sometimes an MRI examination is also necessary to exclude or diagnose serious diseases. In the case of a slipped disc, an MRI of the corresponding section of the spine must of course be performed. If the muscle twitches are acute and with severe accompanying symptoms, a computer tomography may also be necessary.