Muscle twitching is caused by minor muscle contractions. They may be minor and go unnoticed. Muscle twitches that are not the result of underlying disease are known as benign twitches. Benign twitches do not last more than a few days and may result from dehydration, electrolyte imbalance or caffeine overdose.
Muscle Twitch vs. Spasm
A muscle twitch is not the same as a muscle spasm. Muscle spasms are muscle contractions that occur suddenly, usually resolve quickly and are often painful. Muscle spasms typically involve the calf or the back or front of the thigh. A muscle twitch, also called a fasciculation, is an uncontrolled fine movement of a small segment of a larger muscle. A muscle twitch can be seen under the skin. Muscle twitches often involve the eyelid, calf or thumb.
Electrolytes
Muscle twitching may be caused by an imbalance in electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium and sodium. An electrolyte imbalance may be the result of fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea, excessive sweating or inadequate dietary intake. Adequate levels of electrolytes are needed for proper functioning of all the cells in your body. You can prevent an electrolyte imbalance by eating a well-balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts, seeds and legumes, and by drinking an electrolyte replacement drink after vigorous exercise.
Dehydration
Water accounts for one-half to two-thirds of your body weight. It is important that your intake of fluid balances your output to prevent dehydration. Dehydration is related to electrolyte imbalance, as the loss of fluid is accompanied by a loss of sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium. This loss of fluid and electrolytes causes a disruption in normal cell functioning, resulting in a muscle twitch.
Caffeine
The U.S. National Institutes of Health warns that too much caffeine causes muscle twitching. However, a 2010 article published in the "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis" journal, assessing the effect of age, caffeine and exercise in otherwise healthy adults, found that caffeine did not influence the prevalence of muscle twitching in those drinking up to 12 caffeinated drinks per day. This suggests that if you drink caffeine in moderation, it will not cause muscle twitching. If you have long-term or persistent muscle twitching, see a health care professional.
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