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Try one of these related symptoms.
Limb spasms on one side in the morning when waking up
Right hand and leg jerks when I am about to wake up
Left hand and leg jerks for a while after I wake up
A sudden, brief, involuntary twitching or jerking of a muscle (or group of muscles).
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
Generally, Involuntary muscle jerks can be related to:
Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia (PKD) is a rare movement disorder marked by sudden, involuntary muscle movements triggered by voluntary actions like walking or exercise. Episodes are brief but can appear as fidgeting, dancing, or restlessness. PKD is often linked to mutations in the SLC2A1 gene, which affects glucose transport in the brain.
Sometimes, Involuntary muscle jerks may be related to these serious diseases:
This is a serious condition with an unknown origin that may start as a combination of symptoms and blood work abnormalities that ends in seizures due to uncontrolled high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy (and sometimes postpartum). It can lead to severe organ damage and death of both mother and baby if not treated emergently.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
Reviewed By:
Benjamin Kummer, MD (Neurology)
Dr Kummer is Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), with joint appointment in Digital and Technology Partners (DTP) at the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) as Director of Clinical Informatics in Neurology. As a triple-board certified practicing stroke neurologist and informaticist, he has successfully improved clinical operations at the point of care by acting as a central liaison between clinical neurology faculty and DTP teams to implement targeted EHR configuration changes and workflows, as well as providing subject matter expertise on health information technology projects across MSHS. | Dr Kummer also has several years’ experience building and implementing several informatics tools, presenting scientific posters, and generating a body of peer-reviewed work in “clinical neuro-informatics” – i.e., the intersection of clinical neurology, digital health, and informatics – much of which is centered on digital/tele-health, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. He has spearheaded the Clinical Neuro-Informatics Center in the Department of Neurology at ISMMS, a new research institute that seeks to establish the field of clinical neuro-informatics and disseminate knowledge to the neurological community on the effects and benefits of clinical informatics tools at the point of care.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Jan 29, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Q.
How do I know if a spasm under my right ribs is muscular or something more serious like gallbladder or liver issues?
A.
Pain under the right ribs can be due to a muscular issue known as painful rib syndrome, which often feels like a sharp or aching pain and is different from gallbladder or liver problems. If the pain is persistent or severe, it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. See below to understand more.
References:
Scott EM, & Scott BB. (1993). Painful rib syndrome--a review of 76 cases. Gut, 8344569.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8344569/
Hughes KH. (1998). Painful rib syndrome. A variant of myofascial pain syndrome. AAOHN journal : official journal of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, 9582727.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9582727/
Barki J, Blanc P, Michel J, Pageaux GP, Hachemane-Aourag S, Carabalona JP, et al. (1996). [Painful rib syndrome (or Cyriax syndrome). Study of 100 .... Presse medicale (Paris, France : 1983), 8692774.
Q.
Is rib twitching with no pain something I should get checked out?
A.
Rib twitching without pain might not be serious, but it's good to get it checked if it bothers you or if it doesn't go away. See below to understand more.
References:
Tanabe K, Kotoda M, Nakashige D, Mitsui K, Ikemoto K, & Matsukawa T. (2019). Sudden onset pacemaker-induced diaphragmatic twitching .... JA Clinical Reports, 6967311.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6967311/
de Carvalho SC, Castro AD, Rodrigues JC, Cerqueira WS, Santos DD, & Rosemberg LA. (2019). Snapping scapula syndrome: pictorial essay - PMC. Radiologia Brasileira, 6696755.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6696755/
Srijessadarak T, Arayawichanon P, Kanpittaya J, & Boonprakob Y. (2022). Diaphragmatic Mobility and Chest Expansion in Patients .... Healthcare, 9141335.
Q.
What’s the best way to stop a muscle spasm under the rib cage quickly?
A.
To stop a muscle spasm under the rib cage quickly, try relaxing and gently massaging the area. If the pain continues, it might be related to rib issues, and consulting a healthcare provider could help. See below to understand more.
References:
Meyer GW, & Castell DO. (1981). Human esophageal response during chest pain induced .... JAMA, 7288992.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7288992/
Urits I, Noor N, Fackler N, Fortier L, Berger AA, Kassem H, et al. (2021). Treatment and Management of Twelfth Rib Syndrome. Pain physician, 33400437.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33400437/
Karmakar MK, & Ho AM. (2003). Acute pain management of patients with multiple fractured .... The Journal of trauma, 12634549.
Q.
Why do I keep getting spasms under my right ribs, and how can I prevent them?
A.
Spasms under the right ribs may be related to how the rib cage supports your spine. Keeping your back and ribs strong might help prevent them. See below to understand more.
References:
Diaz PL, Katz TM, Langleben AC, Rabinovitch BS, & Lewis EC. (2021). Healing of a Chronic Pressure Injury in a Patient Treated .... Wound management & prevention, 35030093.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35030093/
Ruan X, Couch JP, Liu H, Shah RV, Wang F, & Chiravuri S. (2010). Respiratory failure following delayed intrathecal morphine .... Pain physician, 20648202.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20648202/
Liebsch C, Graf N, Appelt K, & Wilke HJ. (2017). The Rib Cage Stabilizes the Human Thoracic Spine. PloS one, 28570671.
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