Full Body Cramping Differential Diagnosis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Dehydration/Electrolyte Imbalance: This is often the most common cause of full body cramping, as it can lead to muscle spasms and cramps due to the imbalance of essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hypokalemia: Low potassium levels can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and cramps, making it a likely cause of full body cramping.
- Hypocalcemia: Low calcium levels can lead to muscle cramps, spasms, and tetany, which can manifest as full body cramping.
- Hypomagnesemia: Low magnesium levels can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue, making it another likely cause of full body cramping.
- Overexertion: Prolonged or intense physical activity can lead to muscle fatigue and cramping, especially in individuals who are not accustomed to such activities.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Tetanus: Although rare, tetanus infection can cause severe muscle stiffness and spasms, including full body cramping, and is a medical emergency.
- Strychnine Poisoning: Strychnine toxicity can cause severe muscle spasms and cramps, and is a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: A rare but life-threatening side effect of certain medications, characterized by muscle rigidity, fever, and altered mental status.
- Malignant Hyperthermia: A rare but life-threatening condition triggered by certain medications, characterized by muscle rigidity, fever, and autonomic instability.
Rare Diagnoses
- Gyrate Atrophy: A rare genetic disorder that affects the choroid and retina, and can cause muscle cramps and weakness.
- Brody's Disease: A rare genetic disorder that affects the muscle's ability to relax, leading to muscle cramps and stiffness.
- McArdle's Disease: A rare genetic disorder that affects the muscle's ability to break down glycogen, leading to muscle cramps and weakness.
- Thyroid Storm: A rare but life-threatening condition caused by excessive thyroid hormone production, which can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and other systemic symptoms.