Fasciculations

Fasciculations are involuntary, rapid muscle twitches. They are usually visible under the skin, due to the stimulation of a single motor unit, although they may be felt instead of seen. Fasciculations can occur anywhere in the body, including the eyelids, lips, tongue, arms, legs, and abdomen. In many cases, fasciculations are harmless, but they can also be a sign of a serious medical problem. For example, they can indicate nerve damage or diseases of the motor neurons, such as Lou Gehrig's disease. Fasciculations are also a common side effect of certain medications, such as those used to treat depression and anxiety. Treatment of the underlying cause is essential to treating the fasciculations.