fibrillieren

Fibrillieren is a term used in medicine to describe a rapid, irregular, and uncoordinated contraction of muscle fibers. This condition is often associated with the heart, where it is known as atrial fibrillation or ventricular fibrillation. In these cases, the electrical impulses that control the heart's rhythm become chaotic, leading to ineffective pumping of blood. Atrial fibrillation affects the upper chambers of the heart, while ventricular fibrillation affects the lower chambers and is a life-threatening emergency.

Beyond the heart, fibrillieren can also occur in other muscles, such as those in the limbs. This can manifest as involuntary twitching or tremors, often referred to as fasciculations. These muscle twitches can be caused by various factors, including nerve damage, electrolyte imbalances, or certain medications. While generally not as immediately dangerous as cardiac fibrillieren, persistent or widespread muscle fibrillieren can indicate an underlying neurological or muscular disorder.

The diagnosis of fibrillieren typically involves medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. For cardiac fibrillieren, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is crucial for identifying the abnormal electrical activity. For muscle fibrillieren, electromyography (EMG) may be used to assess nerve and muscle function. Treatment strategies vary depending on the cause and location of the fibrillieren, ranging from medication to electrical cardioversion in severe cardiac cases.