RESUMEN
Fasciculations and cramps originate in the motor unit, a functional unit that includes the lower motor neuron and their innervated muscle fibres. Both are common complaints in outpatient practice. These symptoms can be secondary to neurological or medical pathology, presenting a broad differential diagnosis and a complex approach. Recent neurophysiological studies have increased the knowledge of their origin mainly in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The symptomatic management of fasciculations and cramps depends on their etiology and includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. This article aims to present an updated review of the most relevant aspects of physiopathology, clinical approach, and differential diagnosis of both phenomena.
Asunto(s)
Esclerosis Amiotrófica Lateral , Fasciculación , Esclerosis Amiotrófica Lateral/complicaciones , Esclerosis Amiotrófica Lateral/diagnóstico , Esclerosis Amiotrófica Lateral/terapia , Electromiografía/efectos adversos , Fasciculación/diagnóstico , Fasciculación/etiología , Fasciculación/terapia , Humanos , Neuronas Motoras/fisiología , Calambre Muscular/diagnóstico , Calambre Muscular/etiología , Calambre Muscular/terapiaAsunto(s)
Artrogriposis , Neuropatía Hereditaria Motora y Sensorial , Síndromes de Compresión Nerviosa , Neuropatía Radial , Humanos , Músculo Esquelético/diagnóstico por imagen , Síndromes de Compresión Nerviosa/diagnóstico por imagen , Síndromes de Compresión Nerviosa/etiología , Síndromes de Compresión Nerviosa/cirugía , Nervio Radial , Neuropatía Radial/diagnóstico por imagen , Neuropatía Radial/etiologíaRESUMEN
Fasciculations and cramps originate in the motor unit, a functional unit that includes the lower motor neuron and their innervated muscle fibres. Both are common complaints in outpatient practice. These symptoms can be secondary to neurological or medical pathology, presenting a broad differential diagnosis and a complex approach. Recent neurophysiological studies have increased the knowledge of their origin mainly in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The symptomatic management of fasciculations and cramps depends on their etiology and includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. This article aims to present an updated review of the most relevant aspects of physiopathology, clinical approach, and differential diagnosis of both phenomena.