From the Research
You should seek medical attention for muscle twitching if it persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by muscle weakness, loss of muscle size, or impacts your daily functioning. Immediate medical care is necessary if the twitching is severe, widespread, occurs after starting a new medication, or is accompanied by symptoms like difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing, confusion, dizziness, vision changes, or loss of consciousness. While most muscle twitches (fasciculations) are benign and caused by factors like stress, caffeine, exercise, or electrolyte imbalances, persistent or severe twitching could indicate underlying neurological conditions such as ALS, multiple sclerosis, or nerve damage 1. For occasional mild twitching, you might try reducing caffeine intake, as caffeine can induce twitch potentiation in single muscle fibers 2, staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, and ensuring proper nutrition with sufficient magnesium and potassium. However, don't delay seeking medical evaluation if the twitching concerns you or is accompanied by other symptoms, as early diagnosis of any potential underlying condition is important for effective treatment. It's also worth noting that muscle relaxants, which might be considered for managing muscle twitching, have shown limited benefit in pain management for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and are associated with significant adverse events, such as drowsiness and dizziness 1. Given the potential for caffeine withdrawal to cause anxiety and muscle tension 3, managing caffeine intake is also a consideration for individuals experiencing muscle twitching.