Toddler muscle cramps....

    
      Re: Toddler muscle cramps....
    


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Posted by CCF Neuro MD on August 31, 1997 at 15:08:28:

In Reply to: Toddler muscle cramps.... posted by Machelle on August 30, 1997 at 20:44:23:

: My 19 month old niece began experiencing muscle cramping in her left shin area about 4 months ago.  Initially dismissed as "growing pains" the cramping has only intensified in pain degree, occurances per day and now location. Within the last month, she has been experiencing the cramping/tightening in her right leg, left arm and chest areas. Doctors have run CAT scans on her brain and pelvic area; MRIs from hip to feet, spine, head; x-rays of pelvis, legs; CBC; and several other tests - all of which have come back "normal." She is "average/normal" in all development areas. Any suggestions on additional tests to run, things to look for and/or suggestions regarding her situation?  Thank you. (She has seen three neurologists, endricrinologist, metabolic specialist, radiologist and several er docs, students and residents as well as her pediatrician.)
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Hello, Machelle,
  There are a lot of conditions that can trigger muscle cramps in pediatric population.  Cramps can occur in normal children during and after vigorous exercise and activity.  The pathological cramps, though, are involuntary painful muscle contractions.  These abnormal muscle activities are associated with a whole list of disorders.  They include neuromyotonia, myotonia, systemic disorders (hypoadrenalism, low calcium, low thyroid function, uremia), and a group of metabolic disorders.  Since the causative conditions can be so many, the diagnostic work-ups need to be comprehensive.  Most neurologists start with the ischemic exercise test (IET) which involves testing blood and urine samples following ischemia triggered by tightening blood pressure cuff on the patient