What characterizes a muscle spasm?

A muscle spasm is characterized by an involuntary contraction of a muscle. This means that the muscle contracts without the conscious control of the individual, often resulting in sudden and sometimes painful tightening. Muscle spasms can occur in any muscle of the body and are usually brief, but they can also happen repeatedly over a longer period.

Involuntary contractions are distinct from voluntary contractions, where an individual can control the muscle's movement consciously. Conditions that can lead to muscle spasms include muscle fatigue, dehydration, certain medical conditions, or mineral imbalances, but they are primarily defined by the lack of voluntary control during the contraction. Understanding this characteristic helps differentiate muscle spasms from other muscle-related issues.