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Muscle cramp: Main theories as to aetiology

European archives of psychiatry and neurological sciences volume 239, pages 337–342 (1990)Cite this article

Summary

Historically relevant hypotheses on the pathophysiology of muscle cramp are reviewed. Psychosomatic, static, vascular, myogenic and neural theories are highlighted from a clinician's point of view. Modern neurophysiological research leaves little doubt that true muscle cramp is caused by explosive hyperactivity of motor nerves. Several mechanisms may be involved including spinal disinhibition, abnormal excitability of motor nerve terminals and spreading of muscle contraction by ephaptic transmission or axon reflexes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Neurology, St. Radboud Hospital, Catholic University of Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, NL-6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    P. H. P. Jansen, E. M. G. Joosten & H. M. Vingerhoets

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  1. P. H. P. Jansen
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  2. E. M. G. Joosten
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  3. H. M. Vingerhoets
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Jansen, P.H.P., Joosten, E.M.G. & Vingerhoets, H.M. Muscle cramp: Main theories as to aetiology. Eur Arch Psychiatr Neurol Sci 239, 337–342 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01735062

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01735062

Key words

  • Muscle cramp
  • Aetiology