Twitch

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Twitch

Twitch (/twɪtʃ/) is a sudden, brief contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. It is a common phenomenon that can occur in any muscle group but is most often observed in the eyelids, arms, legs, and feet.

Etymology

The term "twitch" originates from the Old English word "twiccian", which means "to pull with a jerk". It has been in use since the 12th century.

Definition

A twitch is a quick, involuntary movement or contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. It is often caused by stress, anxiety, or physical exhaustion, but can also be a symptom of certain neurological conditions, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Related Terms

  • Fasciculation: A small, local, involuntary muscle contraction 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.
  • Myoclonus: A brief, involuntary twitching of a muscle or a group of muscles. It describes a clinical sign and is not itself a disease.
  • Spasm: A sudden, involuntary muscle contraction. They can be caused by several different conditions, including muscle strain, nerve damage, and certain diseases.
  • Tic: A sudden, repetitive, nonrhythmic motor movement or vocalization involving discrete muscle groups. Tics can be invisible to the observer, such as abdominal tensing or toe crunching.

See Also

External links

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