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Concept
Benign fasciculation syndrome
Summary
Benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS) is characterized by fasciculation (twitching) of voluntary muscles in the body. The twitching can occur in any voluntary muscle group but is most common in the eyelids, arms, hands, fingers, legs, and feet. The tongue can also be affected. The twitching may be occasional to continuous. BFS must be distinguished from other conditions that include muscle twitches.
The main symptom of benign fasciculation syndrome is focal or widespread involuntary muscle activity (fasciculation). The benign twitches usually have a constant location.
Other common symptoms are generalized fatigue or weakness, paraesthesia or numbness, and muscle cramping or spasms. Anxiety and somatic symptom disorders and symptoms are commonly reported. Muscle stiffness may also be present; if muscle weakness is not also present, and cramps are more severe, the stiffness may be categorized instead as cramp fasciculation syndrome. Cramp fasciculation is a variant of BFS which presents with muscle pain and exercise intolerance.
BFS symptoms are typically not accompanied by severe muscle weakness, and are typically present when the muscle is at rest. Individuals with BFS may have perceived weakness which is the sensation of a fatigued limb, but is not true clinical weakness. Fasciculations can move from one part of the body to another.
The precise cause of BFS is unknown. It is not known if it is a disease of the motor nerves, the muscles, or the neuromuscular junction.
Health anxiety disorder may be a cause among individuals who become concerned they have a motor neuron disease; this persistent concern is a psychiatric condition mostly noted among healthcare professionals and doctors. An association with anxiety level is established; BFS is reportedly found among "anxious medical students" and clinicians under the age of 40, and this phenomenon known as "fasciculation anxiety syndrome" is reinforced by access to information on the internet.
Fasciculations can be caused or worsened by intense and long periods of daily exercise.
Official source
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