Q. My eye keeps twitching and its annoying me - should I go to hospital?

A. Twitches are common and very rarely a sign of anything serious. They often go away on their own, but see a GP if a twitch lasts more than two weeks.

Twitches are usually nothing to worry about and most people get twitches from time to time.

They're often linked to stress and anxiety, or tiredness and exhaustion. They can also be linked to drinking excess caffeine or alcohol - and some medicines can cause twitches. Always check the side effects on the packet or leaflet of the medicine you are taking.

They 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 and there isn't usually any treatment for it. However, there are some things you can do to help:

Get plenty of rest and try to find ways to relax. If you stretch and massage any muscles affected by cramps that usually helps as well. Try not to worry about it - a twitch is usually harmless and worrying can make it worse.

Don't drink lots of caffeine, such as tea and coffee or lots of alcohol and do not stop taking a prescribed medicine without getting medical advice, even if you think it could be causing your twitch.