What is it called when your body involuntary moves? Also, what could cause it?

Question

It doesn't hurt...and it usually only does one movement and randomly. Usually happens when I'm sitting still or lying in bed. I wouldn't call it a muslce spasm...cause I've gotten that on my face and when that happens it repeatedly does it and you can feel the muscle moving. It usually happens to my legs, arms, upper body, and my feet. This is more like a hiccup where you can't control it and it feels like it's my nerves? And no, It's not tourette's...my cousin has that, and I know all about it. I'm sure it's nothing. Just want to know the possibilities. BTW - I'm a 21 year old female.

Thanks for the responses so far. I wanted to add that my body does this probably once every couple minutes. So it's repetitive, but not in the way that when you see someone with Parkinson's and they sway their head back and forth in the same movement several times.

To the nurse - they're pretty minor movements. Just very annoying. My upper body is the worst, but that one just happens while laying down for some reason. My upper body probably moves 4-8 inches. My arms and legs about an inch or 2. That's the best I can describe it...Sorry.

Thanks everyone.

Answer 1

I read the other answers, all had some good insight. Do you drink copious amounts of water? Even if you don't you could have low sodium or calcium levels. If it becomes bothersome, it wouldn't hurt to have your blood drawn at you doctor's office or clinic for an electrolyte panel.

Answer 2

Involuntary body movements. Some of the causes of frequent involuntary movements are rather unpleasant. Yours may be benign. Too bad you didn't describe the movements and how big they are. Since you wouldn't want this happen when you're "sitting still" behind the wheel of a car, it wouldn't hurt to run this past your doctor.

Hypnic jerk is the spasm that occurs as one falls asleep. You guys are both wrong.

Thanks for the added information, my friend. You may be correct that it is your nerves, as in nervous system. Speak to your doctor who may wish to run a couple of diagnostic tests.

Answer 3

This happens to my husband sometimes and my son used to experience it also when he was a baby. The doctor explained that it is just the effect of your muscles relaxing as you drift into a deeper sleep. The more tense my husband was before he went to sleep, the stronger the movements would be. If it happens all night long, I would get it checked by a doctor. ( My husband only experiences it for a few minutes a short while after he has fallen asleep)

Answer 4

This comes from the central nervous system. It's brought on by stress. I suggest you see a doctor. This happened to me twice in my middle finger, thigh and face. You need plenty of rest. Hope you fell better.

Answer 5

Reflex to some external stimulii

Answer 6

it's called a hypnic jerk. sometimes it is referred to as a hypnagogic jerk, or myoclonus or a myoclonic twitch (but these last two are more associated with epilepsy)....there's a lot of straightforward information on these. just google hypnic jerk and you'll get your answer.

Answer 7

a reflex action, just like when your eyelid twitched but it's not painful

Answer 8

If i were you i would bet my answer on Bond_girl. she is right

Answer 9

Are you mean blephalospasm?

Answer 10

try potassium or MSM...it worked for me.