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What are the Different Types of Spasms?

Malcolm Tatum
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 18,174
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Spasms are sudden contractions that are involuntary and are often accompanied by some degree of pain and discomfort. This process of involuntary contraction can be triggered by a number of different factors, including a medical condition such as a disease or infection, a circulation problem, or some type of chemical imbalance that has an adverse effect on the function of muscles and other tissue. In general, spasms are divided into three categories: tics, cramps, and convulsions.

The tic is easily the most benign of all types of spasmodic activity. Most people think of tics as being a minor inconvenience that is usually manifested as eye spasms. However, a tic can also occur as spasm in the muscles of the shoulder, or a sudden jerking motion of the leg. Twitching of this type can often occur due when the individual is exhausted or under a great deal of stress, two conditions that can have an impact on the function of the central nervous system. Getting proper rest and minimizing stress will often cause spasm activity of this type to subside quickly.

A more involved example of spasms is the cramp. Unlike tics, cramps tend to last for an extended period of time and can be very painful. A leg cramp may cause the muscles to become rigid for several minutes or even longer. Often, decreased circulation is the underlying cause for this type of muscle spasm. The situation can also be triggered by lower levels of potassium in the body, causing the muscles to contract. A balanced diet and massage can help to relieve the pain of cramps and also minimize the frequency of spasms of this type.

The convulsion is the most painful and the most serious of all types of spasms. Convulsions are often intense and extremely painful. In some cases, a convulsion can be so intense that the individual goes into a seizure, eventually passing out. The convulsion can take the form of esophageal spasms, effectively cutting off the air supply of the individual. Diseases such as epilepsy and diabetes can trigger the incidence of spasms of this nature. Identifying the underlying health condition and effectively treating that condition will in turn help to lessen the potential for a convulsion.

While it is not unusual for people to experience spasms in the form of tics or twitches from time to time, any incidence of cramps or convulsions should be reported to a physician immediately. Because some of the underlying causes associated with the more severe spasm types, quick treatment may not only eliminate the contractions but also make it possible to treat a health issue before it can become life threatening.

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Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments
By anon170725 — On Apr 27, 2011

my uncle went to the ER and they said he is dehydrated. they gave him pills but they only work for a few hours to reduce nausea and vomiting. he sweats and has stomach and back pain (strongly). what can it be?

By anon47129 — On Oct 01, 2009

i have spasms in my right eye all the time now. i did have bells palsy about two years ago, so i thought it was that but now my spasms have gone to almost everywhere: my legs and arms, hands, fingers, back and stomach even my toes are involved in it. i can hardly do anything anymore because of the spasms. i can't even trust my hands to hold things, i have so many spasms. whatever it is is getting worse and i don't have medical and i have many underlying problems but no way to address any of them.

By anon41389 — On Aug 14, 2009

can MS be a contributing factor of muscle spasms? I have had two months of spasms in my right eye. The first was my left eye and they found left optical nerve damage, now it's my right eye, so if they can't do anything about it's time to go back to the doctor.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
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