Lihasvärinät

Lihasvärinät, also known as muscle fasciculations, are involuntary, brief, localized twitches or contractions of a small group of muscle fibers. These twitches are often visible beneath the skin and can occur in various parts of the body, such as the eyelids, arms, legs, or torso. They are generally harmless and can be caused by a range of factors, including fatigue, stress, caffeine intake, dehydration, or certain medications.

While most lihasvärinät are benign, they can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying neurological condition. Conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), or peripheral nerve disorders can manifest with fasciculations. In these cases, the twitches may be accompanied by other symptoms such as muscle weakness, atrophy, or cramping.

Diagnosis of lihasvärinät typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and sometimes further tests like electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve and muscle activity. If the fasciculations are persistent, bothersome, or associated with other symptoms, medical evaluation is recommended to rule out any serious underlying causes. Treatment, if necessary, focuses on addressing the root cause and managing symptoms. For benign fasciculations, reassurance and lifestyle adjustments like stress management and adequate sleep are often sufficient.