Essay: Muscle Fasciculation

Muscle Fasciculation, also known as muscle spasms are classified as involuntary and uncontrollable twitching, contracting and relaxation of the muscles. These spasms are visible underneath the skin. About 70 percent of people experience these spasms. For the most part, twitching of the muscles is normal and often overlooked, however some underlying factors can cause it to be a sign of a serious nervous system disorder. Muscle fasciculation can also be classified as a motor neuron disease. These spasms can start off harmless and eventually get worse over time.

 

There are quite a number of factors that cause muscle fasciculation. Stress, ingesting large quantities of caffeine, not maintaining a healthy diet, poor exercise and even the side effects of certain medications can contribute to this. People who experience spasming of the eyelids are usually under a lot of stress or anxiety. These related types of spasms typically subside within a couple of days. Twitches or spasms that do not subside within a few days are usually provoked by nerve issues or medical conditions. A person should consult medical attention when the muscles appear to reduce in size, numbing and tingling sensations are felt in the specific area where the twitching occurs.

An example of a nervous system disorder that can occur is Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The muscles lose their nourishment and progressively become weaker until they can no longer function. This condition also affects both sides of the spine and this includes the nerves that nourish the muscles. However, the nerves that sense pain as well as, hot and cold temperature changes are not affected allowing a person to still feel these sensations. This disease doesn’t occur typically in children, but affects adults in ages ranging from forty to seventy years old.

There is currently no cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease or any way to prevent the disorder.

Medications can be provided to keep symptoms under control and to help muscles to stop cramping. Many other drugs can be administered to help slow the process of development of this disorder. Anti-seizure medication or Beta blockers can be prescribed to stop spams. Also, there are a few home remedies that can aid in reduction of benign muscle fasciculation. Effectively managing your stress and anxiety are sufficient to stop spasms. Massaging essential oils into your skin can ease stress and aid in relaxation.

Herbal teas can also reduce stress and anxiety levels. Supplementary herbs can help regulate a healthy sleep patter, reducing the occurrences of spasms. An adequate amount of exercise will reduce stress and it also helps loosen your muscles. If a person is out of shape and does not exercise regularly, they must ease into it and gradually build intensity. They must do this to adjust their muscles. Some magnesium supplements can also help with reduction of sore muscle making it easier to continue exercising progressively.

Many techniques are used to diagnose diseases pertaining to severe muscle twitching. A method of Electromyography is conducted to help determine the underlying causes. During this process, a doctor will imbed an electrode into the muscle and gauge the electrical activity of a person’s muscle while they are relaxing and contracting them. A low-level jolt of electricity can be given to test how long it takes for the muscle to receive electrical impulses, as well as abnormalities. Blood and urine samples will be given to help rule out other disorders that can be closely related to muscle fasciculation. Fluids that surround the spinal column can be assessed for infections or inflammation.

A sample of the muscle, known as muscle biopsy is another method that can be used to diagnose this disease. Magnetic resonance imaging can also provide images of the spinal column irregularities. Transcranial magnetic stimulations can also be implemented. In this particular method, magnetic impulses can be administered and this triggers a motor response in the muscles. The measurements from magnetic activity are extremely helpful in determining a diagnosis.