Symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis Syndrome
Aug 20, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yuan Xiaoying
Introduction
Typical manifestations include acute muscle soreness, muscle cramps, and muscle edema; palpation of affected muscles reveals a distinct “doughy” or “boggy” sensation. Systemic symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, abnormal blood urea levels, and urine discoloration—ranging from red or black to cola-colored. Additionally, severe muscle weakness may occur, with muscle atrophy at the affected sites. Notably, some patients may remain asymptomatic or exhibit no significant weakness.
Early manifestations of rhabdomyolysis may be subtle—such as mild muscle soreness, weakness, or joint pain—but due to their low specificity, these symptoms are often overlooked. Classic signs include acute muscle pain, muscle cramps, and muscle edema; palpation of affected muscles may reveal a distinct “doughy” or “boggy” sensation. Systemic manifestations may include nausea, vomiting, abnormal blood urea levels, and urine discoloration—ranging from red or brown to cola-colored.
Additionally, severe muscle weakness may occur, accompanied by muscle atrophy at the affected sites; however, patients may remain asymptomatic or report no significant weakness. Other features include myotonia or muscle pain, as well as disease-associated symptoms such as unintentional weight gain—a nonspecific finding not attributable to deliberate lifestyle changes. Seizures and fatigue may also occur, and in rare cases, women may experience reduced menstrual flow.
