Twitching eyes and muscles

Most people get twitches from time to time.

They're often linked to:

• stress and anxiety
• tiredness and exhaustion
• drinking caffeine or alcohol
• some medicines – check the side effects on the packet or leaflet

Twitches can affect any part of the body. Twitches in the eyes or legs are particularly common.

You may also have tingling or cramps (spasms) in the same area.

A twitch may come and go, but will normally stop in a few days or weeks.

There's not usually any treatment for it.

But there are some things you can do to help.

• get plenty of rest

• try to find ways to relax

• stretch and massage any muscles affected by cramps

• try not to worry about it – a twitch is usually harmless and worrying can make it worse

• do not drink lots of caffeine, such as tea and coffee

• do not drink lots of alcohol

• do not stop taking a prescribed medicine without getting medical advice, even if you think it could be causing your twitch

• you have a twitch for more than 2 weeks
• you have a twitch in more than 1 place
• the affected area feels weak or stiff
• you think a prescribed medicine might be causing your twitch

If your twitch does not go away, your GP may:

• check for causes like stress or a medicine you're taking
• ask you to come back if the twitch has not stopped in a few weeks
• refer you to a specialist called a neurologist for tests to look for conditions that can cause a twitch