Muscle twitches may occur in any muscle of your body, but you may feel most self-conscious of those that occur in the muscles of your face such as your eyebrow. In most cases, an eyebrow twitch does not indicate a serious problem, but these spasms could result from a deficiency in magnesium. Knowing your intake needs of magnesium and food that contain this nutrient will help you keep good levels to prevent twitches and other symptoms.
Magnesium
Among the numerous functions of magnesium in your body, this nutrient also plays an important role in the function of your muscles. If you have low levels of magnesium in your body you could experience muscle spasms that may affect the muscles in your brow.
The average adult requires 310 mg to 420 mg of magnesium each day to function, but these amounts may vary depending on your health and medications. Foods containing magnesium includes spinach, providing 75 mg in a half cup and a medium potato that contains 50 mg. Other food sources include nuts, beans, halibut and avocado.
Additional Symptoms
If you have low levels of magnesium in your blood you may experience other symptoms as well. These may include fatigue, upset stomach and no appetite. You could also have tingling and numbness, as well as muscle cramps. A severe deficiency may also cause seizures, changes in your heart rhythm and altered personality.
Other Causes
A twitch in your eyebrow may stem from causes other than a magnesium deficiency. Lack of sleep, caffeine intake and drinking alcohol could contribute to twitches in the muscles around your eye. Stress also plays a considerable role in twitching.
If you have frequent episodes you may need to keep a journal, listing your sleeping patterns, food and beverage intake and stress levels. You will also note when the twitch occurs and when the twitching stops, and this may help you track the cause for your symptoms.
Considerations
An eyebrow twitch or twitch in other muscles of your body does not typically require medical treatment. If the spasms result in pain, or if you have spasms in muscles throughout your body, contact your doctor immediately. If you suspect that you have low magnesium levels, discuss your concerns with your physician. She may test your blood to identify low nutrient levels and recommend treatment such as supplements based on these results.
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