Surface EMG is more sensitive than needle electromyography and clinical observation in the detection of fasciculation in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [2] (ALS).

Deeper areas of contraction can be detected by electromyography (EMG) testing, though they can happen in any skeletal muscle in the body.

An example of normal spontaneous depolarization is the constant contractions of cardiac muscle, causing the heart to beat.

If a neurological examination is otherwise normal and EMG testing does not indicate any additional pathology, a diagnosis of benign fasciculation syndrome is usually made.

[citation needed] In particular, these include ethanolamines such as diphenhydramine (brand names Benadryl, Dimedrol, Daedalon and Nytol), used as an antihistamine and sedative, and dimenhydrinate (brand names Dramamine, Driminate, Gravol, Gravamin, Vomex, and Vertirosan) for nausea and motion sickness.

Medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADHD) often contain stimulants as well, and are common causes of benign fasciculations.