Involuntary Muscle Movements

[saintjohnny]

Ever since I was about 11, I have had sudden twitches in different parts of my body. It used to be just my right eyelid, then it was the middle toe on my right foot. In my late teens and 20's (I am 28 now) I have had sudden, involuntary twitches in the muscles of both biceps, the muscle next to my right kneecap, both sides of my neck, my thighs, and sometimes, although only occasionally, my hands. The twitching usually lasts about a minute or so, and is never painful. Sometimes it is rhythmic, other times not. The twitches are not exaggerated, and not visible to others. I have tried to diagnose what it might be, but my particular problem does not seem to fit any of the conditions I have read about. Does anyone else get this? If so, have you been diagnosed, and wht could it be?

[Catso]

Yes, I get this. Just like you, first one area, then that stops and it moves onto another.

Never told the doctor, so never been diagnosed. I just thought it was natural.

[EuanC]

Hey cool,

This happens to me too and has done for years. The eyeIid twitch in particular - it is a kind of weird sensation. Perhaps I am not a freak after all - or maybe Catso & saintjohnny we are aliens :-)

[JustSia]

The best thing is to see your doctor. Could be many things. The most obvious is, and I am not trying to shock you just the first thing that came into my mind considering how long you've had it for, is Tourette's syndrome.

S.

[halfadaily]

I've occasionally had this as well. A few years ago I mentioned this to my GP when seeing her about something unconnected. Her explanation was that muscle spasm / twitch can be brought on by any of the following; fatigue,stress, caffiene, alcohol, drugs etc.

at the time I was sleeping badly and consuming large amounts of tea and coffee. By changing my sleeping habits and cutting down on the caffiiene I found that the spasms dissapeared.

If they are causing you problems though I'd suggest that you see your GP just in case there is any underlying cause.

[Kay]

A facial tic is an involuntary twitching of muscles in the face. An irritation of the facial nerve may cause a spasm of the muscles it supplies. A reflex spasm may also result from pain in the face or teeth. Tics resemble these types of true spasms, but some doctors consider them more emotional in origin. A common tic is a twitching of the corner of the eye or mouth.

Tics often start around age 6 and resolve as the child matures. They may develop when a child goes through a period of anxiety. There have been cases caused by certain drugs or head trauma. Tics are about three times more common in boys than in girls and may run in families.

Some common facial tics include:

eye blinking
sticking out or biting the tongue or
facial grimaces or gestures
The muscle twitching in tics repeats in the same pattern. Tics have no apparent purpose. They are not voluntary, but the person may be able to control them for short periods. Repressing them usually makes the person anxious until he or she develops another tic. They usually cease during sleep. They become more pronounced with tension and emotional strain. Some tics start as true spasms.

Tourette's syndrome is a rare condition that begins in childhood. One may see blinking, grimaces, shrugging, and arm movements. The tics get worse and are joined by vocal tics. There may be grunting, sniffing, or barking noises. The person is prone to sudden and loud swearing. The symptoms come and go throughout adult life. The cause is not understood. Tourette's syndrome is usually treated with medicines. Side effects may occur from the medicines and must be balanced with the control of the tics.

Most tics are not harmful, but sometimes they may indicate a more serious problem. Special techniques to change behaviors may help treat tic disorders. Counseling may uncover emotional causes and help deal with problems caused by tics. Minor