Differential Diagnosis for Generalised Myalgia with Cramps
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Electrolyte imbalance (e.g., hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia): This is a common cause of generalized myalgia and cramps, often due to dehydration, poor diet, or certain medications.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Overuse or muscle strain: Repeated physical activity or sudden intense exercise can lead to muscle cramps and myalgia.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Deficiency in vitamin D can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and myalgia.
- Hypothyroidism: This condition can cause muscle aches, cramps, and weakness due to decreased thyroid hormone production.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed):
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: A life-threatening neurological disorder caused by an adverse reaction to neuroleptic or antipsychotic medications, characterized by muscle rigidity, fever, and altered mental status.
- Tetanus: A bacterial infection that can cause severe muscle cramps, stiffness, and rigidity, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- Rhabdomyolysis: A serious syndrome due to direct or indirect muscle injury, which can lead to kidney failure if not recognized and treated early.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Dermatomyositis: An inflammatory disease characterized by skin rash, muscle weakness, and myalgia.
- Polymyositis: An inflammatory muscle disease that causes muscle weakness, myalgia, and cramps.
- McArdle's disease (Glycogen storage disease type V): A rare genetic disorder that affects the muscle's ability to break down glycogen, leading to muscle cramps, weakness, and myalgia during exercise.