Recurrent Muscle Spasms of Central Origin

Abstract

A MUSCLE SPASM or cramp may be defined as a sudden, violent involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. It is frequently attended by pain and functional interference. In this communication two cases are presented with recurrent muscle spasms in isolated or groups of muscles, associated with bony changes, metabolic and endocrinological abnormalities. To our knowledge this syndrome has not been described previously. Report of Cases CASE 1.—A 17-year-old Japanese girl was admitted to the Toho University Hospital with the chief complaint of intermittent painful muscle cramps. Her father died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. There was no other family history of neurological or muscle disease. Her mother and eight siblings were in good health. Birth and development were normal until the age of 9 when one night, without antecedent illness, she was awakened by severe painful cramps in calf muscles, which spread to all muscles of the legs,