Fasciculation
Fasciculation
Fasciculation (pronounced: fas-ik-yuh-ley-shuhn) is a medical term that refers to involuntary muscle twitching.
Etymology
The term "fasciculation" originates from the Latin word "fasciculus", which means "small bundle". This is in reference to the bundles of muscle fibers that are affected by these involuntary twitches.
Definition
Fasciculation is a small, local, involuntary muscle contraction and relaxation which may be visible under the skin. Deeper areas can be detected by Electromyography (EMG) testing, though they can happen in any skeletal muscle in the body.
Causes
Fasciculations can be caused by a variety of conditions, including Motor neuron diseases, Peripheral nerve injuries, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and certain medications. They can also occur in healthy individuals, particularly after exercise.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of fasciculation is the presence of muscle twitches that are often described as feeling like "popping" or "twitching" under the skin. These twitches can occur in any muscle in the body, but are most commonly found in the limbs, eyelids, and tongue.
Related Terms
- Motor neuron diseases
- Peripheral nerve injuries
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Electromyography (EMG)
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fasciculation
- Wikipedia's article - Fasciculation
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