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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Twitching Muscle In Rib Cage?

I have a weird twitching/spazzing muscle in my right rib cage. It s a few inches underneath my armpit and extends to the bottom of my ribs. There isn t usually any pain (the pain might be a result of a little anxiety). Also, I didn t sleep well last night...and the twitching started right before I went to bed.
Thu, 30 Oct 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello,

Thank you for your query in HCM.
You have Myokymia, a form of involuntary muscular movement, usually as continuous rippling movements. The commonest site is the face especially the eye lids, but can occur anywhere in the body.
It may be caused by too much caffeine, anxiety, fatigue, stress, overwork, overexposure to computer/television monitors and a lack of sleep. Use of certain drugs or alcohol may also be factors.
Most of the time it is benign and avoidance of precipitating factors is all that is needed. Occasionally it may be due to certain neurological diseases.
If it persists, then you must see a neurologist and have the test EMG to learn more about the problem and causative factors.

If you any further queries for me, you can search for me at HCM web site.
Best wishes,
Dr. Noble Zachariah
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What Causes Twitching Muscle In Rib Cage?

Hello, Thank you for your query in HCM. You have Myokymia, a form of involuntary muscular movement, usually as continuous rippling movements. The commonest site is the face especially the eye lids, but can occur anywhere in the body. It may be caused by too much caffeine, anxiety, fatigue, stress, overwork, overexposure to computer/television monitors and a lack of sleep. Use of certain drugs or alcohol may also be factors. Most of the time it is benign and avoidance of precipitating factors is all that is needed. Occasionally it may be due to certain neurological diseases. If it persists, then you must see a neurologist and have the test EMG to learn more about the problem and causative factors. If you any further queries for me, you can search for me at HCM web site. Best wishes, Dr. Noble Zachariah