fasciculation potential
Spontaneous electrical discharge from a motor unit visible as brief muscle twitches, often indicating motor neuron disease.
Full Definition
Fasciculation potentials are spontaneous discharges of motor units that appear as brief, irregular muscle twitches visible through the skin or recorded on electromyography. These potentials typically have the morphology of normal or enlarged motor unit potentials but fire spontaneously without voluntary activation. While fasciculations can occur in healthy individuals, persistent widespread fasciculations, especially when accompanied by other abnormalities, suggest anterior horn cell disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from fasciculation (the visible twitch) and fasciculation potential (the electrical recording).
In Context
- "Widespread fasciculation potentials were observed in multiple muscle groups during the EMG examination." — Electrodiagnostic report
- "The presence of fasciculation potentials raised concern for underlying motor neuron disease." — Clinical assessment