lihasnyhtelynä

Lihasnyhtely, also known as fasciculation, refers to involuntary, fine twitching of muscle fibers that can be visible under the skin. These twitches are brief and typically not strong enough to cause movement of a limb. They can occur in any skeletal muscle in the body and are often observed in the eyelids, arms, or legs.

Fasciculations are a common phenomenon and can have numerous causes. Often, they are benign and occur in healthy individuals. Factors such as stress, fatigue, caffeine consumption, and certain medications can trigger these muscle twitches. They are generally considered harmless in these instances and resolve on their own.

However, persistent or widespread fasciculations can sometimes be indicative of an underlying neurological condition. Conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), or peripheral nerve damage can manifest with fasciculations. In such cases, the twitching may be accompanied by other symptoms such as muscle weakness, atrophy, or cramping.

Diagnosis of the cause of fasciculations usually involves a thorough medical history, a physical examination, and potentially neurological tests like electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies. Treatment, if necessary, depends on the identified cause. For benign fasciculations, reassurance and lifestyle adjustments are often sufficient. For those related to a neurological disorder, management focuses on addressing the underlying condition.