Muscle fibrillation
Fine, rapid twitching of individual muscle fibers with little or no movement of the muscle as a whole as ascertained by electromyography (EMG). If a motor neuron or its axon is destroyed, the muscle fibers it innervates undergo denervation atrophy. This leads to hypersensitivity of individual muscle fibers to acetyl choline so that they may contract spontaneously. Isolated activity of individual muscle fibers is generally so fine it cannot be seen through the intact skin, although it can be recorded as a short-duration spike in the EMG.
Also called: EMG: fibrillations on electromyogram, Twitching.
Conditions associated with muscle fibrillation
The following conditions have been associated with muscle fibrillation in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy
Autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms ...
Centronuclear myopathy 1
Centronuclear myopathy 1 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, Okinawa type
Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, Okinawa type is a medical condition that may be associated with vario...
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
intellectual developmental disorder with polymicrogyria and seizures
intellectual developmental disorder with polymicrogyria and seizures is a medical condition that may be associ...
nemaline myopathy 7
Any nemaline myopathy in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the CFL2 gene....
polyglucosan body myopathy type 2
Any polyglucosan body myopathy in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the GYG1 gene....
sensory ataxic neuropathy, dysarthria, and ophthalmoparesis
A rare mitochondrial disease characterized by adult onset of the triad of sensory ataxic neuropathy, dysarthri...
Tests providers may use to investigate muscle fibrillation
When investigating muscle fibrillation, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside muscle fibrillation
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Headache
Cephalgia, or pain sensed in various parts of the head, not confined to the area of distribution of any nerve....
Muscle weakness
Reduced strength of muscles....
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if muscle fibrillation is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom muscle fibrillation mean?
Muscle fibrillation is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. Fine, rapid twitching of individual muscle fibers with little or no movement of the muscle as a whole as ascertained by electromyography (EMG). If a motor neuron or its axon is destroyed, the muscle fibers it innervates undergo denervation atrophy. This leads to hypersensitivity of individual muscle fibers to acetyl choline so that they may contract spontaneously. Isolated activity of individual muscle fibers is generally so fine it cannot be seen through the intact skin, although it can be recorded as a short-duration spike in the EMG.
Which conditions are associated with muscle fibrillation?
Muscle fibrillation has been reported in association with 8 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy, Centronuclear myopathy 1, Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, Okinawa type, Japanese encephalitis, intellectual developmental disorder with polymicrogyria and seizures. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about muscle fibrillation?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.