This study will evaluate patients with muscle stiffness for possible participation in current or future research studies. It will determine the cause of muscle stiffness or cramps and measure the severity of symptoms.

Children and adults with muscle stiffness, cramps or spasticity may be eligible for this study. Participants will provide a medical history and have a physical examination. In addition to the standard neurological examination, patients may be tested on how long it takes to make some movements, such as walking or tapping on a keyboard. To determine the cause of the muscle problem, patients may also undergo blood tests and the following procedures:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show structural and chemical changes in tissue. The patient lies on a table in a space enclosed by a metal cylinder (the scanner) for about 45 minutes, lying very still for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. The patient can communicate with the technician at all times during the procedure.

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies - EMG measures the electrical activity of the muscles. A needle is inserted into a muscle to record its electrical activity. Nerve conduction studies measure the speed with which nerves conduct electrical impulses. A wire is taped on the skin over a nerve to deliver a small electrical stimulus and another wire taped to the skin records the impulses.

Patients will also be asked to fill out a health questionnaire no more than once a year. The information will be used to determine their eligibility for new studies.

Condition
Neurological Disorder Muscle Cramp

The purpose of this protocol is to perform a screening evaluation of patients referred with muscle stiffness and to determine the cause of the abnormal muscle contraction. Muscle stiffness can be caused by abnormalities of the muscle itself, of peripheral nerves, or by disorders of the central nervous system. Diagnostic tests such as Nerve conduction studies and electromyography can help to determine the site of abnormality. This protocol is intended to identify patients for participation in future investigations of how the spinal and peripheral motor system coordinate movement.

Genders Eligible for Study:  Both

Criteria

INCLUSION CRITERIA
Adult or pediatric patients with involuntary muscle contraction, muscle cramps, or spasticity.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
Non-neurological disorders that produce muscle stiffness, such as fasciitis or rheumatological conditions.
Disorders in which pain limits the ability to move muscles, such as fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndromes.
Profound weakness of voluntary movement.
Anticoagulation (will be an exclusion for needle EMG).
Implanted devices or metal fragments in the brain or spinal cord will be an exclusion for MRI scanning.

Maryland
      National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), 9000 Rockville Pike,  Bethesda,  Maryland,  20892,  United States; Recruiting

Study ID Numbers:  010145; 01-N-0145
Record last reviewed:  February 27, 2004
Last Updated:  February 27, 2004
Record first received:  April 18, 2001
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:  NCT00015444
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on 2004-10-29