Muscle Spasms: Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with muscle spasms?

Muscle spasms may occur with other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. For example, severe skeletal muscle spasms may be accompanied by bruising and swelling of the area. Muscle spasms that are caused by a disorder affecting your whole body, such as hypothyroidism, may be associated with weight gain, depression, and fatigue. Additional symptoms that may occur include:

• Clumsiness or problems walking

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sore throat, fatigue, headache, cough, aches and pains)

• Loss of appetite

• Muscle symptoms, such as aches, pains, spasticity, rigidity and weakness

• Numbness, tingling or burning sensations (called paresthesias)

• Sleep disturbances

• Swelling at site of cramp

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, skeletal muscle spasms may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious or life-threatening condition, such as acute dehydration or spinal cord trauma. Smooth muscle spasms in the arteries of the heart can cause angina or heart attack. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following symptoms:

• Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out

• Change in mental status, such as confusion or disorientation

• Chest pain radiating to the arm, shoulder, neck or jaw

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath

• Inability to move any part of your body

• Loss of vision

• No urine output

• Progressive weakness and numbness

• Seizure

• Stiff neck with a high fever