Itchy fingers.

March 18, 2005 3:15 AM

Every so often a finger on my left hand twitches involuntarily. Why is this?

Basically, one finger, not always the same one, judders a little, almost as if it was being tapped on a table, but faster/with smaller movements than I would be able to control if I attempt to replicate the movement. Any ideas what might cause this? (a) in simple terms (b) in medical terms.
I'm right handed and my right hand never does it.

posted by biffa to health & fitness (8 comments total)

In simple terms, it's in spasm. Usually due to tiredness/overuse/being in a certain position for a length of time. Other common tiredness spasms include the muscles below the eyes.
posted by i_cola at 3:55 AM on March 18, 2005

I have this happen to biceps once in a while. Maybe it's because of my line of work.

Is it always the tired muscle that twitches or can it happen to not-so-tired muscles too?
posted by madman at 6:29 AM on March 18, 2005

Oh wow, i've had a muscle spasm under my eye on and off for about 3 weeks and thought about posting a question. Now I don't have to. Maybe I should logout and go to bed. Thanks.
posted by isthisthingon at 6:44 AM on March 18, 2005

I'd also try a multivitamin and plenty of water. Muscle twitches can also be caused by ion imbalances.
posted by gramcracker at 7:18 AM on March 18, 2005

It could also be simple partial seizures. Not likely but something to consider.
posted by @homer at 7:58 AM on March 18, 2005

biffa,

This may or may not be something harmless. Unfortunately none of the prior answers are too relevant. In short, see a doctor. Depending on the duration of this several things may need to be considered, not all of them completely harmless, unfortunately. If you don't feel your doc takes it seriously, request/demand a neurology consultation. Ikkyu2 is a neurologist that reads askme pretty regularly and may be able to weigh in as well. I have seen this also from simple B12 deficiency, and if you see your doctor ask that a B12 and something called an MMA be drawn.

No matter what, unequivocally, get in for a talk with your doc soon.
posted by docpops at 11:36 AM on March 18, 2005

The odds are it is a benign (harmless) fasciculation--most often transient and of little consequence--caused by stress, fatigue,coffee, drugs etc--there is also a something called benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS) which is also harmless but the etiology a bit more complex and it can be (quite) irksome--fasciculations in the absence of muscle weakness are almost always harmless--the presence of muscle weakness is another matter--if you have any doubt see a physician for reassurance-Take Care
posted by rmhsinc at 6:17 PM on March 18, 2005

PS: fasciculations are very different from spasms--spasms are the contraction/relaxation of muscle groups (charlie horse)--fasciculations (twitches) are the misfiring of individual muscle fibers/bundles--spasms can be the result of electrolyte imbalances--fasciculations are the result of a breakdown/disturbance in the signaling process.
posted by rmhsinc at 6:25 PM on March 18, 2005