Re: Are these cramps or spasms?

Posted By CCF Neurology W6 MD on February 16, 1999 at 20:28:21:

In Reply to: Are these cramps or spasms? posted by km on February 01, 1999 at 13:14:03:







Hi KM thanks for the questions
:1.  Do you think this is a cramp or a spasm--it happens only while the leg is in use.. not at rest.
Well, cramp is a type of muscle spasm, that may be induced by random restless or stretching movement. In cramp, there is a hard contraction of a single muscle which can't be voluntarily relaxed. The muscle is visibly and palpably taut and painful. So it sounds like fascic to me unless you can actually see and feel the tightness in the calf.

2.  Can fascics be continuous in one spot like this and still be benign, or is this a sign of something more serious.
Yes, unless there is atrophy, weakness, or reflex change.
3.  Can one leg be much worse than the other with cramp fascic syndrome?
Yes.
Neuro does not give me any diagnosis, just "wait and see".
I agree.
Missing ankle reflexes, but rest of neuro exam still normal.  
This depends on how old you are, in someone above the age 65 or even 60, ankle jerk may be lost due to aging. Alos if the loss is symmetric, this is lesser sign of problem than if it is asymmetric.
Last question:  any ideas for diagnosis or symptomatic treatment?
If they are painful, try some quinine sulfate, tonic  water, salt water,
if that doesn't work, try some benadryl at bedtime
Other drugs (these require prescriptions) include phenytoin and carbamazepines (antiseizure meds to stabilize cell membranes)
Thanks for your help, you have a great website.
You're welcome and good luck to you.