Involuntary contraction of a muscle, organ or orifice
For other uses, see Spasm (disambiguation).
"Spasmodic" redirects here. For the British literary movement, see Spasmodic poets.
Not to be confused with Cramp or Seizure.
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Medical condition
Muscle spasm
Other names
Charley horse, Cramp, or twitch.
Pronunciation
[MUS] + [UHL SPAZ] + [UHM]
Specialty
Neurology
Duration
Seconds to 15 minutes or longer.
Causes
Inadequate diet, physical overexertion, and tight/inflexible muscles [1]
A spasm is a sudden involuntary contraction of a muscle,[2] a group of muscles, or a hollow organ, such as the bladder.
A spasmodic muscle contraction may be caused by many medical conditions, including dystonia. Most commonly, it is a muscle cramp which is accompanied by a sudden burst of pain. A muscle cramp is usually harmless and ceases after a few minutes. It is typically caused by ion imbalance or muscle overload.
There are other causes of involuntary muscle contractions, and some of these may cause a health problem.
A series of spasms, or permanent spasms, is referred to as a "spasmism".
of spasms, or permanent spasms, is referred to as a "spasmism". Various kinds of involuntary muscle activity may be referred to as a "spasm". A spasm may...
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Esophageal spasm is a disorder of motility of the esophagus. There are two types of esophageal spasm: Diffuse or distal esophageal spasm (DES), where...
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Epileptic spasms is an uncommon-to-rare epileptic disorder in infants, children and adults. One of the other names of the disorder, West syndrome, is in...
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artery disease. Angina is typically the result of partial obstruction or spasm of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. The main mechanism...
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Stuart Gray (born 1961), better known by his moniker Stu Spasm, is an Australian musician and composer best recognized as the frontman for the experimental...
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Spasm Geyser is a geyser in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park in the United States. Spasm Geyser is part of the Fountain Group. It is...
derived from the Greek: βλέφαρον / blepharon, eyelid, and σπασμός / spasmos, spasm, an uncontrolled muscle contraction. The condition should be distinguished...
Trousseau sign is the name of two distinct phenomena observed in clinical medicine. Both are attributed to Armand Trousseau: Trousseau sign of latent tetany...
Bronchospasm or a bronchial spasm is a sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles. It is caused by the release (degranulation)...
παροξυσμός) are a sudden recurrence or intensification of symptoms, such as a spasm or seizure. These short, frequent symptoms can be observed in various clinical...
Justin Gunnar Walter Chancellor (born 19 November 1971) is an English musician, best known as the bassist for rock band Tool, a position he has held since...
Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band may refer to: Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band (folk), a 1970s folk/bluegrass band Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band (jazz), an 1890s New Orleans jazz...
Asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction...
Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band were a band led by Trinidadian poet, novelist and lecturer Anthony Joseph. The band was formed in London in 2005 as an...
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