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What Causes Thumb Twitching?
Question: My left thumb keeps twitching involuntary several times a day. I've even woke up with it twitching. This has been going on for about 2 weeks. I feel like my left hand is weak, specifically the thumb and index finger. There is a burning sensation that travels along the inside of my left forearm. What could this be? I'm scared that it could be serious illness such as MS, Parkinsons or ALS.
Brief Answer:
There are several conditions that may cause thumb twitching.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
There are several conditions that may cause thumb twitching, and most of these causes are benign in nature.
These include peripheral neuropathy, nerve compression ( carpal tunnel syndrome), electrolytes disbalance ( low magnesium, calcium ), anxiety and stress disorder.
It is true also that ALS and MS can cause muscles twitching, but ALS is a very uncommon condition at your age, in addition ALS and MS manifest with other symptoms too, besides muscle twitching such vision problems, imbalance, muscles weakness, difficulty swallowing etc.
A simple test to differentiate between possible causes of the muscles twitching is nerve conduction study and EMG.
So discuss with your primary care Doctor about having done nerve conduction study and blood tests to measure electrolytes levels.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
There are several conditions that may cause thumb twitching.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
There are several conditions that may cause thumb twitching, and most of these causes are benign in nature.
These include peripheral neuropathy, nerve compression ( carpal tunnel syndrome), electrolytes disbalance ( low magnesium, calcium ), anxiety and stress disorder.
It is true also that ALS and MS can cause muscles twitching, but ALS is a very uncommon condition at your age, in addition ALS and MS manifest with other symptoms too, besides muscle twitching such vision problems, imbalance, muscles weakness, difficulty swallowing etc.
A simple test to differentiate between possible causes of the muscles twitching is nerve conduction study and EMG.
So discuss with your primary care Doctor about having done nerve conduction study and blood tests to measure electrolytes levels.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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