The anamnesis (medical history) represents an important component in the diagnosis of muscle spasm, spasm or spasticity. Family history Are there any conditions in your family that are common? Are there any hereditary diseases in your family? Social history What is your profession? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). What symptoms have you … Muscle Cramps and Spasms: Medical History
Differential diagnoses for Cramps (Crampi/Krampi) Respiratory System (J00-J99) Hyperventilation Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Carnitine Deficiency – Carnitine is a vitaminoid, 98% of which is stored in heart and skeletal muscle. Hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency). Hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency) Hyponatremia (sodium deficiency) Hypoparathyroidism (parathyroid insufficiency). Hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism) Hypovolemia, hypotonic dehydration (hyponatremia / sodium deficiency) – lack … Muscle Cramps and Spasms: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
Therapy of cramps and spasms of the musculature is carried out depending on the cause. Symptomatic muscle spasms should be excluded! General measures Acute muscle spasm: stretch cramped muscle or tense antagonists. For prophylaxis in nocturnal calf cramps, passive stretching exercises should be performed regularly. Stretching the cramped muscles or tension of the counterparts of … Muscle Cramps and Spasms: Therapy
Muscle spasms Consequential diseases or complications of muscle spasm are not known. Spasticity Symptoms and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings not elsewhere classified (R00-R99). Chronic pain Immobility
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, extremities [due topossible cause of cramps: edema (water retention in tissues)][Leading symptoms Muscle cramp: involuntary and painful muscle contraction (often at night and at rest), affects … Muscle Cramps and Spasms: Examination
Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Electrolytes – calcium* , magnesium, sodium, potassium. Fasting glucose (fasting blood sugar) Thyroid parameters – TSH Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT, GGT), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin. Renal parameters – urea, creatinine, cystatin C … Muscle Cramps and Spasms: Test and Diagnosis
Therapy goal for muscle spasms Prophylaxis of muscle spasms. Therapy recommendations First-line agent: magnesium; if necessary, quinine sulfate (second-line agent) at night. Volume therapy should be given for cramps in dialysis patients. See also under “Further therapy“. Therapy goal for spasticity Functional improvement Pain relief Therapy recommendations Baclofen, tizanidine (mystification/antispasticity), first-line agents. Small studies showed … Muscle Cramps and Spasms: Drug Therapy
Obligatory medical device diagnostics Electromyography (EMG; measurement of electrical muscle activity). Electroneurography (ENG; method of electrodiagnostics in neurology to determine the functional state of a peripheral nerve). Doppler sonography (ultrasound examination that can dynamically visualize fluid flows (especially blood flow)) – to examine the arterial supply to the legs Computed tomography of the skull (cranial … Muscle Cramps and Spasms: Diagnostic Tests
Cramps and spasms To prevent muscle cramps or spasms, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Alcohol consumption Physical work, especially in the heat Sports load, especially in the heat
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate muscle spasm: Leading Symptoms Involuntary and painful muscle contraction. Is accompanied by a hardening of the affected muscle Usually lasts only a short time Self-limiting, that is, it stops by itself again Often occurs at night and at rest Affects mainly the lower extremity (e.g., calf cramp) The … Muscle Cramps and Spasms: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
