Fasciculations
Fasciculations
Fasciculations (pronounced: fuh-sik-yuh-lay-shuhns) are small, local, involuntary muscle contractions (twitches) visible under the skin arising from the spontaneous discharge of a bundle of skeletal muscle fibers. Fasciculations have a variety of causes, the majority of which are benign, but can also be due to disease of the motor neurons.
Etymology
The term "fasciculation" comes from the Latin fasciculus, meaning "little bundle", and -ation, a suffix that implies action or process.
Causes
Fasciculations can be caused by a variety of conditions, including Motor neuron diseases, Peripheral nerve injuries, Muscle disorders, and Neuromuscular junction disorders. They are also a common symptom of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but can also occur in healthy individuals without any underlying disease.
Symptoms
Fasciculations often present as a twitch or flicker of movement under the skin. They can occur in any skeletal muscle in the body, but are most commonly found in the Eyelids, Arms, Legs, and Feet.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of fasciculations is typically made through a combination of physical examination, patient history, and, if necessary, further diagnostic tests such as Electromyography (EMG).
Treatment
Treatment for fasciculations largely depends on the underlying cause. If the fasciculations are due to a serious condition such as ALS, treatment will focus on managing the symptoms of the disease. If the fasciculations are benign, treatment may not be necessary, although medications can be used to help manage any discomfort or annoyance caused by the twitching.
Related Terms
- Motor neuron diseases
- Peripheral nerve injuries
- Muscle disorders
- Neuromuscular junction disorders
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Electromyography
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fasciculations
- Wikipedia's article - Fasciculations
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