Comments on: Itchy fingers.

Question: Itchy fingers.

biffa — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 03:15:13 -0800

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.

By: i_cola

i_cola — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 03:55:45 -0800

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.

By: madman

madman — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 06:29:24 -0800

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?

By: isthisthingon

isthisthingon — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 06:44:24 -0800

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.

By: gramcracker

gramcracker — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 07:18:55 -0800

I'd also try a multivitamin and plenty of water. Muscle twitches can also be caused by ion imbalances.

By: @homer

@homer — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 07:58:51 -0800

It could also be simple partial seizures. Not likely but something to consider.

By: docpops

docpops — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 11:36:56 -0800

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.

By: rmhsinc

rmhsinc — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 18:17:22 -0800

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

By: rmhsinc

rmhsinc — Fri, 18 Mar 2005 18:25:57 -0800

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.