From the Guidelines
Muscle twitching can be effectively managed through occupational therapy strategies, such as addressing unhelpful pre-jerk cognitions and movement, general relaxation techniques, and encouraging learning of slow movement activities like yoga or tai chi, as recommended in the most recent study 1. When considering treatment options for muscle twitching, it's essential to prioritize approaches that promote normal movement patterns and resting postures. The study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry in 2020 1 provides valuable insights into intervention strategies for functional movement symptoms, including functional jerks, which can be applicable to muscle twitching. Some key strategies for managing muscle twitching include:
- Addressing unhelpful pre-jerk cognitions and movement, such as signs of anxiety, frustration, or effort
- General relaxation techniques, like diaphragmatic breathing or progressive muscular relaxation
- Sensory grounding strategies to bring oneself into the present moment
- Encouraging learning of slow movement activities, such as yoga or tai chi, to regain movement control and redirect attention away from the symptom In contrast to other studies, such as the one published in 2005 1 which recommends treatment with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for patients with impaired muscle contraction, or the study published in 2013 1 which discusses the use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for improving limb muscle strength and exercise capacity, the 2020 study 1 provides more recent and relevant guidance on managing muscle twitching through occupational therapy strategies. Therefore, based on the most recent and highest quality evidence, occupational therapy strategies should be the primary approach for managing muscle twitching, with a focus on promoting normal movement patterns and resting postures, and addressing underlying cognitive and emotional factors that may be contributing to the symptom 1.
From the Research
Chemicals and Treatments Associated with Muscle Twitching
- Irinotecan: a chemotherapy medication that has been reported to cause muscle twitching in some patients 2
- Gabapentin: a medication used to treat neuropathic pain and epilepsy, which has been associated with myokymia (a type of muscle twitching) in cases of toxicity 3
- Carbamazepine: a medication used to treat epilepsy and other conditions, which has been reported to be effective in treating Isaacs' syndrome, a condition characterized by muscle spasms and twitching 4
- Phenobarbitone: a medication used to treat seizures, which has been associated with muscle twitching in cases of toxicity, particularly in preterm neonates 5
Conditions Associated with Muscle Twitching
- Isaacs' syndrome: a condition characterized by muscle spasms, twitching, and progressive muscle stiffness 4
- Familial continuous motor unit activity and epilepsy: a condition characterized by muscle stiffness and twitching due to continuous generalized muscle activity 6
- Ventriculitis: a condition that may be associated with muscle twitching, particularly in preterm neonates 5