[Proctalgia fugax. Differential diagnosis and therapy of fleeting anal cramp]

Proctalgia fugax--short-lived anal spasm--is a common, extremely unpleasant, painful condition that occurs completely unexpectedly, often waking the victim at night. Scientific assessment is difficult on account of the functional nature of the condition and its multifactorial genesis. Before the patient is labeled "anal neurotic", however, he/she should be investigated by a specialist. The results of treating the rarely absent pathological organic findings give rise to optimism.