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fasciculation
Involuntary muscle twitching visible under the skin, often indicating motor neuron disease.
Full Definition
Fasciculation refers to spontaneous, involuntary contractions of muscle fiber bundles that are visible as twitching under the skin. In neuromuscular documentation, fasciculations are significant clinical signs often associated with motor neuron diseases like ALS, though they can also occur in benign conditions. They appear as brief, irregular muscle contractions that can be observed visually or detected on electromyography.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from fibrillation, which refers to electrical activity not visible clinically.
In Context
- "Widespread fasciculations were noted in the patient's upper extremities." — Physical examination
- "EMG revealed fasciculation potentials consistent with motor neuron involvement." — Diagnostic report
Also known as
muscle twitching
fibrillation
Don't confuse with
fibrillation
myoclonus
tic