Ask a doctor on the topic of Neurology

Muscle twitching cause for concern

March 2, 2019 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,
I am 36 years old male with no previous medical conditions. In early 2017, I contacted you with this concern.
I started experiencing fasciculations in my calves, toes, and sporadically all over my body. I still have mild fasciculations, especially in my calves. Neurological examinations at that time suggested stress and restlessness as the cause.
Now I have twitches in my knee and currently in the area of my left bicep. These twitches are more intense and noticeable. They occur intermittently, sometimes not at all, and then in 1-2 second intervals for minutes to hours. My left bicep is also not as developed as my right, but I attribute that to being right-handed. Since these twitches are often associated with ALS, I am mentally preoccupied with it and observing the situation more closely. Should I undergo another neurological examination?

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good morning,

If there were a serious illness like ALS behind the twitching, paralysis would have already set in by now, as you have been experiencing this for a long time. At the very least, one hand should be weaker, or swallowing difficulties should have occurred.

Unfortunately, you have not mentioned anything about stress, lack of sleep, or video games. All of these can contribute to muscle twitching. You are welcome to consult a neurologist again, but before that, I would suggest trying relaxation and reducing stress.

Wishing you all the best!

Warm regards, Dr. Gehring