Deciphering Muscle Twitch In Arm

Have you ever experienced a weird sensation where your muscle twitch in the arm? If you have, there’s no cause to worry. This occurrence is entirely regular. However, there are some key points that you need to understand about muscle twitch in the arm. In most cases, your arm’s muscles twitch without you noticing, but it may also be a sign of a specific nervous system condition. We recommend bringing this matter to your doctor’s attention in your next checkup. 

Possible Causes of Muscle Twitch in Arm

There are many probable causes of minimal muscle twitching in your arms that are related to work out strain or lifestyle-related issues. However, intense muscle twitching might be an indicator of a severe medical condition. Here are the most common causes of muscle twitch in arm:

• Physical Activity Related: Whenever you engage in physical activity, lactic acid accumulates in your muscles. It typically builds-up in arms, legs, and back muscles.

• Nervous Ticks: Stress and anxiety trigger muscle twitching that affects not only the arms but also the whole body. The more anxious you feel, or the more you’re stressed out, muscle twitching is most likely to occur frequently.

• Excessive Caffeine Intake: Too much consumption of caffeine or other food groups that contain high levels of stimulants may trigger muscle twitching. 

• Nutrients Deficiency: The lack of nutrient intake may cause your muscles to twitch uncontrollably. Your hands, eyelids, and calves may be the most affected parts. Vitamin b, d, and calcium usually cause the twitching.

• Lack of Fluid Consumption: Dehydration is also a factor that plays a significant role in muscle twitching. The bigger muscle groups located in your arms and upper legs are usually affected. Remember to drink water even when you do a simple exercise with your legs.

• Smoking: All kinds of cigarettes from regular ones to high-quality cigars contain nicotine that causes the twitching of muscles.

• Muscle Spasms: Muscle spasms occur randomly to anyone regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. It is also one of the most common reasons for muscle twitch in arm.

• Drug Reactions: Our bodies react to different kinds of drugs. Although most prescribed or over-the-counter medicines are relatively safe to take, some people experience muscle twitching occasionally.

Adverse Health Effects

Although the common causes of muscle twitching are mild and non-life-threatening, there are cases that are more serious. These types of complications may be related to problems with the nervous system. It involves the spinal cord and the brain; that’s why these matters should not be taken lightly at all costs. The result may damage the cells and tissues connected in your muscles and may lead to a lifetime problem. The complications may include the following:

• Muscular Dystrophies: A group of disease that can be inherited that has the potential to weaken or damage the muscles if left untreated. They can cause muscle twitching in the arms, face, neck, shoulders, or hips.

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This adverse health condition can cause the nerve cells to deteriorate and die. The arm and leg muscles are usually affected by the initial onset of the disease.

• Spinal Muscular Atrophy: This complication damages the nerve cells on your spinal cord which compromises muscle movement control. It can also cause twitching on your tongue.

• The Isaacs’ Syndrome: The nerves responsible for stimulating muscle fibres are affected and causes it to twitch frequently and uncontrollably. Like the spinal muscular atrophy, muscle twitching on your legs and arms are the first to occur. 

Muscle Twitching or Muscle Spasms Diagnosis

Muscle twitching, muscle spasms, or muscle cramps should always be brought to your doctor’s attention if it happens frequently. If you observed that these muscle twitching occurrences are getting out of hand, you must consult your doctor immediately for proper diagnosis. Whether they turn out to be common muscle cramps or muscle spasms, it is still essential that you seek medical assistance. The specific diagnosis includes:

• When your muscle spasms started
• Which part of the body is mostly affected by muscle twitching
• The frequency of muscle twitching occurrence
• How long does the muscle spasms last
• Any other unusual sensations related to muscle twitching

These are the specific diagnosis to determine the possible causes.

Clinical Tests include:

• Blood tests
• CT scan
• Electromyography

These are the most efficient ways of detecting the root cause of muscle twitching. These tests must be applied as soon as possible for disease prevention purposes.

Treatment and Prevention Tips

Treatment is not typically required for mild cases of muscle twitching because they naturally get better over time without the need for medical intervention. However, for severe cases these are needed:

• Corticosteroids 
• Muscle Relaxants
• Neuromuscular blockers

These drugs have been proven to be the most efficient medicines for muscle twitching.

Prevention Tips:

• Healthy diet
• Adequate rest and sleep
• Stress management
• Limit caffeine consumption
• Quit smoking
• Doctor’s advice for the right medicine.

Final Word

Whenever your muscles exhibit any of the symptoms that we’ve covered in this article, it best to consult your doctor immediately. The safest way is still prevention rather than and effective treatment or cure. If you think that your health is at risk because of muscle twitching, the best thing to do is relax, ask your family member to accompany you while observing the effects, and go to the nearest health facility. Early detection saves lives. You should keep exercising though if your doctor permits.