Characteristics of muscle cramps in patients with polyneuropathy

Qualitative, Patient-Centered Assessment of Muscle Cramp Impact and Severity

“…5,16,[21][22] Our previous studies of patients with polyneuropathy did identify that muscle cramps were as prevalent and selfidentified as disabling as neuropathic pain, the more commonly recognized symptom of polyneuropathy by clinicians. 8 The current results and observations mirror our clinical experience that cramp characteristics such as frequency and intensity are key to evaluating the full cramp experience. In addition, our study includes a variety of clinical conditions and physiological states which have in common muscle cramps as a prominent symptom, including pregnancy, renal failure, and hemodialysis [23][24][25] among other conditions mentioned above including neuropathy and cirrhosis.…”

“…18,19 Our previous studies in patients with diabetes and polyneuropathy also captured the full experience of cramp characteristics identifying all aspects mentioned above including aspects related to mental health, suggesting a signal that differs across disease states. 8,20 It is important for clinicians to be aware that when patients describe pain in certain neurological syndromes, particularly motor predominant neuropathic syndromes such as ALS, they are often referring to muscle cramps, which account for pain in 63% of patients with ALS and is similar to the patients with motor neuron disease and neuropathy in our cohort. 5,16,[21][22] Our previous studies of patients with polyneuropathy did identify that muscle cramps were as prevalent and selfidentified as disabling as neuropathic pain, the more commonly recognized symptom of polyneuropathy by clinicians.…”

“…7 Our own data evaluating cramps in patients with polyneuropathy have shown that parameters such as pain, duration of muscle cramps, and cramp frequency occur across a range of severities. 8 Based on these data, we hypothesized that for patients suffering from cramps, there are more factors involved in cramp severity and impact than just cramp frequency. Therefore, we aimed to assess the experiences of patients suffering from muscle cramps to develop a framework of cramp impact, to guide the development of a patient-centered measure of the overall cramp impact.…”

Report on the 4th Ottawa International Conference on Neuromuscular Disease and Biology – September 5–7, 2017, Ottawa, Canada1

“…He also highlighted the increased use of nerve ultrasound to assess compressive neuropathies, including for preand post-operative evaluations and peripheral nerve trauma. Dr. Katzberg highlighted the importance of lifestyle modifications, in addition to glycemic control, in adults and children to limit diabetic and pre-diabetic neuropathy as well as the appropriate management (such as Mexiletine) for the common and serious effect of muscle cramps [39].…”

Muscle cramps — a mini review of possible causes and treatment options available with a special emphasis on diabetics — a narrative review

“…Intentionally changing the sodium concentration of the dialysis fluid during the dialysis is sometimes used to preserve the plasma volume towards the end of the dialysis. This process reduces the incidence of muscle cramps in some cases [34,35]. It is also known that any acute extra cellular fluid volume contraction cause muscle cramps.…”