![]() Generally, most healthy individuals experience myoclonus in minor forms such as hiccups, which are spasms in the intercostal muscles that we use for breathing. These twitches are usually quick, involuntary muscle jerks. ![]() MyoclonusĪ condition known as myoclonus causes sudden, brief muscle spasms throughout the body. For example, this may result in under- or over-shooting a target when reaching for an object. Along with twitching, these intention tremors can cause slow, visible shaking movements in the arms and legs as the brain is having difficulty modulating or controlling the movement. As the name suggests, these intention tremors are caused by damage to the cerebellum and its neural pathways.īecause the cerebellum is critical for movement and muscle coordination, damage to this area of the brain can lead to muscle twitching after a head injury. ![]() There are several different types and causes for tremors, and they can occur at rest when sitting still (resting tremor) or only specifically during movement (action tremor).Ĭerebellar tremors are one of the most common types of tremors that occur after a TBI. Tremors usually affect smaller muscles such as your fingers and hand, but can affect other areas like the neck or lips too. Muscles that involuntarily twitch or quiver in a rhythmic pattern after a brain injury could indicate post-traumatic tremors. When spasticity is left untreated, it can progress to involving more muscles, further limiting your mobility and sometimes increasing pain. Thus, twitching after a brain injury can sometimes indicate the beginning of spasticity. Spasticity may not be apparent immediately after a brain injury because it usually appears within the first six months post-injury. Symptoms of spasticity include tightening, stiffening, or sudden muscle twitching in the muscle(s) specifically during movement or a quick stretch. This heightened state of muscle reflex hyper-excitability is known as spasticity. SpasticityĪfter a neurological injury like a stroke or traumatic brain injury, there may be increased muscle contractions or twitching during movement. ![]() Twitching after brain injury may result in different presentations: 1. Understanding the different types of twitching can also help you take the necessary steps in your rehabilitation process. Therefore, if you experience twitching after a brain injury it’s important to consult with your doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis. It’s also important to note that many different movement disorders share similar symptoms, and one of the most common symptoms is twitching. However, twitching may vary significantly in type, presentation, and severity. Twitching is generally defined as small muscle contractions in the body. Consult with your doctor to learn more about the cause of your twitching to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. In other cases, twitching can indicate a more severe movement disorder and therefore should be taken seriously. Twitching after brain injury can indicate movement being restored in individuals with paralysis and can mean there is hope for recovery. However, twitching may not necessarily be a negative sign. ![]() It can also be uncomfortable, and even painful at times. Twitching can interfere with the ability to move, walk, and perform daily activities. Without healthy neural connections, the brain may lose the ability to communicate efficiently with the muscles, resulting in twitching after head injury. After a brain injury, however, many of the neural pathways (connections) can become impaired. The fully functional brain sends nerve signals to the muscles, telling them when to contract and relax. There are several different reasons why someone may experience twitching, ranging from electrolyte imbalances and dehydration to medication side effects and neurologic movement disorders. What Causes Twitching After Brain Injury? This article will discuss the causes of twitching after brain injury, how it can improve with neuroplasticity (the nervous system’s ability to rewire itself), and effective treatments to promote recovery. However, twitching can also be a positive sign of recovery during rehabilitation, especially for individuals with paralysis. Twitching after head injury can indicate a post-traumatic movement disorder such as tremors, myoclonus, or spasticity. ![]()
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