Definition

Brief, abrupt, involuntary, non-suppressible and jerky contractions involving a single muscle or muscle group.

Causes

• May be a normal finding during onset of sleep, exercise, anxiety.
• Neuro-degenerative disorders.
• Secondary to opioid toxicity.

Management

• Consider opioid rotation if opioid toxicity is felt to be the cause (seek specialist palliative care advice in this situation).
• Benzodiazepines
• Diazepam
• Lorazepam
• Clonazepam