Overview
Common causes include medicines, kidney or liver failure, and some epilepsy types.
Sudden jerks of a muscle.
Hiccups and jerks while falling asleep are normal types.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Sudden muscle jerks
- Muscle twitching
Less common
- Falls
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayWith seizures.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.
Causes
Many causes.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Diagnosis
A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Exam:
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.
Self-care
- Get enough sleep
- Take medicines as prescribed
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a physical therapist, or a sports medicine doctor.
- A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Older adults: Medicines are a common cause.
- People with epilepsy: Higher risk.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Treating the cause often helps.
Medicines help many people.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- What's causing this?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- Could my medicines cause this?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Myoclonus (sudden muscle jerks)
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.