Fasciculaciones y calambres: bases fisiológicas y enfrentamiento clínico de un fenómeno complejo

Resumen

Fasciculations and cramps have their origin in the motor unit (MU), which is the functional unit that includes the lower motor neuron and their innervated muscle fibers. Both are a common complaint in outpatient practice. These symptoms can be secondary to both a neurological and medical pathology, presenting a wide differential diagnosis and a complex approach. Recent experimental studies and advances in neurophysiology increased the knowledge of their origin in degenerative pathologies, as is the case of fasciculations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The symptomatic management of fasciculations and cramps depends mainly on their etiology, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. This article aims to present an updated review of the most relevant aspects of physiopathology, clinical approach, and differential diagnosis of both phenomena.