THE SUN DOCTOR

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DEAR SUN DOC

It has been a year now my hands tend to intermittently jerk and twitch when I type for a long period. For instance, I would be typing a report and the moment I take a pause, my full hands quickly jerk straight up and then back down onto the keys. I don’t know if this matters, but I don’t consume alcohol or drugs. What could be the issue?

DEAR READERS

The jerking and twitching of the hand is due to involuntary muscle spasms.

The sudden, brief contraction (and relaxation) of a muscle or group of muscles causing twitching or jerking is called myoclonus. A possible cause of this is muscle spasms triggered by strenuous activity. It can also be due to carpal tunnel syndrome, where one of the major nerves going to your hands is compressed near your wrist due to inflammation that may be triggered by repetitive hand motions, or as a result of pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and others. Carpal tunnel syndrome may also cause numbness, tingling of the fingers, weakness and pain that may shoot up the arm.

Dehydration and caffeine intake can also cause involuntary muscle spasms. Problems with the nervous system or the brain can also cause myoclonus.

Rest, hydration and avoiding caffeine can help reduce the occurrence of the muscle spasms that are triggered by these.

However, if the twitching is recurrent, it is advisable to be seen by a doctor for examination for any underlying problems and to institute appropriate management for the same.