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Is this really a muscle cramp?

J M Eaton1

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno 89520.

Postgraduate Medicine
|September 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Most muscle cramps are benign, but exertional cramps may signal serious systemic diseases, often metabolic or neurological. Treatment options include stretching, carisoprodol, vitamin E, or verapamil, while quinine is not recommended due to toxicity.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Clinical Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Muscle cramps are common but can indicate underlying systemic conditions.
  • Exertional cramps or those with abnormal examinations warrant further investigation.
  • Metabolic and nervous system diseases are key differential diagnoses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate benign muscle cramps from those indicative of systemic disease.
  • To outline diagnostic approaches for significant muscle cramps.
  • To review effective symptomatic treatments for muscle cramps.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentations of muscle cramps.
  • Analysis of diagnostic findings including physical examination and electromyography.

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  • Evaluation of treatment options for muscle cramps.

    • Main Results:

    • Benign cramps are common; however, exertional cramps or those associated with abnormal findings suggest significant systemic illness.
    • Metabolic diseases are the most frequent systemic cause, followed by central and peripheral nervous system disorders.
    • Specific treatments exist for most underlying systemic diseases causing cramps.

    Conclusions:

    • Muscle cramps can range from benign to indicative of serious systemic disease.
    • Diagnostic evaluation is crucial for exertional or abnormal cramps.
    • Stretching is a primary symptomatic treatment, with pharmacologic options including carisoprodol, vitamin E, and verapamil; quinine is cautioned against.