Spasm: Difference between revisions

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== '''Spasm''' ==
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Spasm
| image          = [[File:Asymmetrical_neck_spasms.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = An example of neck spasms
| field          = [[Neurology]]
| symptoms        = [[Involuntary muscle contraction]], [[pain]], [[stiffness]]
| complications  = [[Muscle strain]], [[pain]], [[limited range of motion]]
| onset          = Sudden
| duration        = Varies, can be seconds to minutes
| causes          = [[Dehydration]], [[electrolyte imbalance]], [[muscle fatigue]], [[nerve irritation]]
| risks          = [[Overexertion]], [[poor posture]], [[stress]], [[neurological disorders]]
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[patient history]]
| differential    = [[Dystonia]], [[cramp]], [[tetanus]]
| treatment      = [[Rest]], [[hydration]], [[stretching]], [[muscle relaxants]]
| medication      = [[NSAIDs]], [[muscle relaxants]]
| frequency      = Common
| deaths          = Rare, usually not life-threatening
}}
A '''[[Spasm]]''' is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a [[muscle]], a group of muscles, or a hollow organ, or a similarly sudden contraction of an orifice. It is a medical condition that can occur in various parts of the body and can cause a great deal of discomfort or pain.  
A '''[[Spasm]]''' is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a [[muscle]], a group of muscles, or a hollow organ, or a similarly sudden contraction of an orifice. It is a medical condition that can occur in various parts of the body and can cause a great deal of discomfort or pain.  
[[File:Asymmetrical neck spasms.jpg|thumb|Asymmetrical_neck_spasms]]
==Types of Spasms==
==Types of Spasms==
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There are a variety of different types of spasms that can occur in the body. These include:
There are a variety of different types of spasms that can occur in the body. These include:
* '''[[Muscle Spasms]]''': These are the most common type of spasm and can occur in any muscle in the body. They are often caused by overuse, dehydration, or muscle strain.
* '''[[Muscle Spasms]]''': These are the most common type of spasm and can occur in any muscle in the body. They are often caused by overuse, dehydration, or muscle strain.
* '''[[Smooth Muscle Spasms]]''': These occur in the smooth muscles that control the automatic functions of the body. They can occur in organs such as the bladder, intestines, and uterus.
* '''[[Smooth Muscle Spasms]]''': These occur in the smooth muscles that control the automatic functions of the body. They can occur in organs such as the bladder, intestines, and uterus.
* '''[[Skeletal Muscle Spasms]]''': These occur in the muscles that are attached to the bone and are often caused by injury or a neurological disorder.
* '''[[Skeletal Muscle Spasms]]''': These occur in the muscles that are attached to the bone and are often caused by injury or a neurological disorder.
* '''[[Hemifacial Spasm]]''': This is a neuromuscular disorder that causes frequent involuntary contractions on one side of the face.
* '''[[Hemifacial Spasm]]''': This is a neuromuscular disorder that causes frequent involuntary contractions on one side of the face.
==Causes of Spasms==
==Causes of Spasms==
Spasms can be caused by a variety of different factors. These can include:
Spasms can be caused by a variety of different factors. These can include:
* '''[[Dehydration]]''': This can cause the muscles in the body to contract involuntarily.
* '''[[Dehydration]]''': This can cause the muscles in the body to contract involuntarily.
* '''[[Muscle Strain]]''': Overuse or injury to a muscle can cause it to spasm.
* '''[[Muscle Strain]]''': Overuse or injury to a muscle can cause it to spasm.
* '''[[Neurological Disorders]]''': Conditions such as [[Multiple Sclerosis]], [[Parkinson's Disease]], and [[Huntington's Disease]] can cause spasms.
* '''[[Neurological Disorders]]''': Conditions such as [[Multiple Sclerosis]], [[Parkinson's Disease]], and [[Huntington's Disease]] can cause spasms.
* '''[[Electrolyte Imbalances]]''': Imbalances in the levels of certain minerals in the body can cause muscle spasms.
* '''[[Electrolyte Imbalances]]''': Imbalances in the levels of certain minerals in the body can cause muscle spasms.
==Treatment of Spasms==
==Treatment of Spasms==
The treatment of spasms depends on their cause. Some possible treatments include:
The treatment of spasms depends on their cause. Some possible treatments include:
* '''[[Hydration]]''': Drinking plenty of fluids can help to prevent muscle spasms caused by dehydration.
* '''[[Hydration]]''': Drinking plenty of fluids can help to prevent muscle spasms caused by dehydration.
* '''[[Physical Therapy]]''': This can help to strengthen muscles and prevent spasms.
* '''[[Physical Therapy]]''': This can help to strengthen muscles and prevent spasms.
* '''[[Medication]]''': Certain medications can help to control spasms caused by neurological disorders.
* '''[[Medication]]''': Certain medications can help to control spasms caused by neurological disorders.
* '''[[Surgery]]''': In severe cases, surgery may be required to treat the underlying cause of the spasms.
* '''[[Surgery]]''': In severe cases, surgery may be required to treat the underlying cause of the spasms.
==See Also==
==See Also==
* [[Muscle Cramps]]
* [[Muscle Cramps]]
* [[Dystonia]]
* [[Dystonia]]
* [[Tetany]]
* [[Tetany]]
* [[Tremor]]
* [[Tremor]]
[[Category:Medical Conditions]]
[[Category:Medical Conditions]]
[[Category:Neurological Disorders]]
[[Category:Neurological Disorders]]
[[Category:Musculoskeletal Disorders]]
[[Category:Musculoskeletal Disorders]]
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Latest revision as of 05:49, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Spasm
File:Asymmetrical neck spasms.jpg
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Involuntary muscle contraction, pain, stiffness
Complications Muscle strain, pain, limited range of motion
Onset Sudden
Duration Varies, can be seconds to minutes
Types N/A
Causes Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle fatigue, nerve irritation
Risks Overexertion, poor posture, stress, neurological disorders
Diagnosis Physical examination, patient history
Differential diagnosis Dystonia, cramp, tetanus
Prevention N/A
Treatment Rest, hydration, stretching, muscle relaxants
Medication NSAIDs, muscle relaxants
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common
Deaths Rare, usually not life-threatening


A Spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle, a group of muscles, or a hollow organ, or a similarly sudden contraction of an orifice. It is a medical condition that can occur in various parts of the body and can cause a great deal of discomfort or pain.

Types of Spasms[edit]

There are a variety of different types of spasms that can occur in the body. These include:

  • Muscle Spasms: These are the most common type of spasm and can occur in any muscle in the body. They are often caused by overuse, dehydration, or muscle strain.
  • Smooth Muscle Spasms: These occur in the smooth muscles that control the automatic functions of the body. They can occur in organs such as the bladder, intestines, and uterus.
  • Skeletal Muscle Spasms: These occur in the muscles that are attached to the bone and are often caused by injury or a neurological disorder.
  • Hemifacial Spasm: This is a neuromuscular disorder that causes frequent involuntary contractions on one side of the face.

Causes of Spasms[edit]

Spasms can be caused by a variety of different factors. These can include:

Treatment of Spasms[edit]

The treatment of spasms depends on their cause. Some possible treatments include:

  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids can help to prevent muscle spasms caused by dehydration.
  • Physical Therapy: This can help to strengthen muscles and prevent spasms.
  • Medication: Certain medications can help to control spasms caused by neurological disorders.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to treat the underlying cause of the spasms.

See Also[edit]

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