Muscle spasms refer to involuntary contractions that can lead to muscle cramping, according to MedlinePlus. Sometimes, these muscle spasms can be due to a neurological disorder affecting the brain and spinal cord. The causes of muscle spasms can be managed.
Multiple Sclerosis
MedlinePlus explains that multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the body attacks the spinal cord and brain. Specific multiple sclerosis symptoms include muscle spasms, trouble walking, weakness in the arms or legs, lack of coordination and problems with balance. Multiple sclerosis also causes tremors of the arms or legs, frequent urination, double vision, dizziness and hearing loss. Multiple sclerosis occurs as a result of damage to the outer covering of nerves called myelin.
Medications such as interferons, methotrexate, azathioprine and cyclophosphamide can be used to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis. Drugs such as amantadine, antidepressants, cholinergic medications and tizanadine can be taken to reduce multiple sclerosis symptoms. Also, physical therapy and occupational therapy can help multiple sclerosis sufferers strengthen their muscles.
Spasmodic Torticollis
Spasmodic torticollis, also known as cervical dystonia, is a condition in which the neck muscles suddenly contract, or spasm, according to the Mayo Clinic. Specific symptoms of spasmodic torticollis include a head position in which the chin is placed on the shoulder, the chin is up or down or the ear is placed on the shoulder. Pain, tremors and elevation of the shoulder are other symptoms of spasmodic torticollis. It is unclear what causes this condition, but spasmodic torticollis may be associated with head or shoulder injuries, brain or spinal cord tumors, strokes, medications such as antipsychotics and heavy metals or carbon monoxide.
Treatment for spasmodic torticollis involves taking such drugs as botulism toxin, benztropine or muscle relaxants. Physical therapy can be used to strengthen and stretch the muscles. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary to remove any abnormal muscles or nerves or to insert a deep brain stimulator, a device that sends tiny spurts of electricity to the nerves that cause the head to twist, the Mayo Clinic says.
Myoclonus
According to the Mayo Clinic, myoclonus is a condition in which the muscle suddenly jerks. This movement may be involuntary and usually involves one muscle or a group of muscles. Myoclonus can result from brain tumors, strokes, multiple sclerosis, liver or kidney failure and epilepsy.
Treatment for myoclonus involves taking such drugs as tranquilizers, anticonvulsants and immunosuppressants. Botulism toxin also can be used to paralyze muscles. Surgery may be used to remove any tumors in the brain or spinal cord that lead to myoclonus.
