Therapeutic Implications of Peripheral Nerve Hyperexcitability in Muscle Cramping: A Retrospective Review.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
PURPOSE: Muscle cramping due to peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (PNH) is poorly characterized. This retrospective study examines the prevalence of PNH and response to treatment. METHODS: The Duke EMG Database was queried to identify patients with muscle cramping tested for PNH from 2010 to 2015. Peripheral nerve hyperexcitability was defined by compound muscle action potential after-discharges on repetitive nerve stimulation. Response to treatment was determined by the treating physician's clinical impression 6 months after diagnosis or last documented visit. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients met inclusion criteria. Twenty-three (32%) patients had electrodiagnostic evidence of PNH. Of the patients with PNH, 74% had a good response to treatment whereas 37% of treated patients in the PNH-negative group (P = 0.0258). Carbamazepine and gabapentin were the most frequently used treatments with response rates of 70% and 77%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Muscle cramps associated with PNH respond well to symptomatic treatment, particularly with carbamazepine and gabapentin.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Hurst, RL; Hobson-Webb, LD
Published Date
- December 2016
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 33 / 6
Start / End Page
- 560 - 563
PubMed ID
- 27258601
Pubmed Central ID
- 27258601
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1537-1603
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1097/WNP.0000000000000291
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States