Abdominal cramp: Abdominal cramp is listed as an alternate name or description for symptom:
Causes of Stomach cramps (Abdominal cramp): See detailed list of causes below.
Medical Book Extracts related to Stomach cramps (Abdominal cramp): Refer to the excerpt book sections about Stomach cramps below.
Stomach cramps (medical symptom): Cramping or other stomach discomfort
Stomach cramps (medical symptom): Exactly what people mean when they say "stomach cramps" is not entirely clear. The most correct interpretation is the stomach muscle spasms, with associated pain, but many people use the term loosely to mean any kind of stomach discomfort, stomach ache, abdominal discomfort or abdominal pain. People may say "stomach cramps" when they are really cramps of the intestines. Thus, to determine the cause of stomach cramps, it may be necessary to examine other areas such as the causes of symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, stomach ache, abdominal bloating, menstrual cramps or other types of abdominal discomfort.
The list of medical condition causes of Stomach cramps (Abdominal cramp) includes:
All 325 causes of Stomach cramps
Review the causes of the following types of more specific symptoms for Abdominal cramp:
Research the causes of these related symptoms that are similar to, or related to, the symptom Abdominal cramp:
Research the causes of these symptoms that are more broader types of symptom than Abdominal cramp:
For a medical symptom description of 'Abdominal cramp', the following symptom information may be relevant to the symptoms: Stomach cramps (symptom). However, note that other causes of the symptom 'Abdominal cramp' may be possible.
More information on symptom: Stomach cramps:
Research related medical symptoms or conditions such as:
Free access to excerpts from published medical book extracts about the causes and diagnosis of Stomach cramps from the following published medical books is available for more detailed information that is related to Abdominal cramp.
... Is there a family history of migraine or epilepsy? Migraine and epilepsy both present with abdominal pain. Is the pain colicky or ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Where is the pain located? If it is diffuse, one should consider pancreatitis, mesenteric artery occlusion, or ruptured peptic ulcer. In addition, another viscus may be perforated, such as a ruptured ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is there tenderness and rebound tenderness? If this is absent, consider voluntary rigidity. If this is present, the finding must be ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is it in the right upper quadrant? A mass in the right upper quadrant is most often an enlarged liver. However, the liver may be pushed down by a subphrenic abscess, and there may be an enlarged ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is there hepatomegaly? If there is hepatomegaly, one should suspect congestive heart failure, emphysema, constrictive pericarditis, hepatic vein ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is there a history of alcohol or drug ingestion? Alcohol and many drugs such as digitalis, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Lower abdominal pain is a common complaint that must be evaluated carefully and systematically to reach the appropriate diagnosis in timely manner. All diagnoses must be considered, with the most emergent etiologies rapidly... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Upper abdominal pain is a common presenting symptom. A complete differential diagnosis should be developed based on the organs in the upper abdomen in addition to the associated history and physical examination. Gallbladder disease and... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... In evaluating an acute abdomen, rebound tenderness is one of the most important signs of peritonitis. It is elicited by pressing deeply on the abdomen and then suddenly releasing pressure, which stretches the peritoneum and causes... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... An abdominal bruit is a murmur that corresponds to the cardiac cycle. It is heard best with the diaphragm of the stethoscope, usually over the abdominal aorta, renal arteries, or spleen. It can... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal distension is a common complaint that must be evaluated carefully and systematically to expediently rule out serious and life-threatening diagnoses and evaluate for mundane diagnoses,... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal guarding refers to muscular rigidity of the abdomen upon palpation. It may be involuntary or voluntary. The examiner may try to limit the voluntary guarding during the physical examination by having the patient bend... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Many disease processes, including malignancies, infections, and bowel obstruction, present with abdominal masses. The most serious and dramatic etiology is an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is responsible for 15,000 deaths per year.... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Vomiting is an involuntary forceful extrusion of stomach contents. It is a mediated by a complex reflex that is located in the vomiting center of the medulla oblongata. Reflex vomiting results when... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain is a frequent complaint and associated with an enormous number of causes. Many causes of acute abdominal pain require surgical intervention, so a prompt diagnosis is needed.... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of gastric contents through the mouth that involves an integrated and largely somatic motor response. It represents a protective reflex in the body's defense system. Vomiting may be an initial symptom of... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A prominent “potbelly” contour is normal in infants and young children. Pathologic enlargement of the abdomen is a fairly common problem that can result from reduced tone of the wall musculature or... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal masses are common presenting signs of malignant solid tumors in children and should be presumed to be such. They require urgent evaluation to rule out compression of internal organs, hemorrhage, and/or... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Projectile vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents classically associated with pyloric stenosis. Although pyloric stenosis is one cause, there are many other causes inside and outside the GI tract. Differential ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The GI tract is the only “organ” that really covers the abdomen from one end to the other. Anything that causes an irritation of all or a large portion of this “tube” may ... READ EXCERPTS »
... As the physician examines the abdomen, how can he or she recall all of the causes of a mass or swelling? The physician should consider the possibilities for the mass’s composition. It may be air, in which case the physician ... READ EXCERPTS »
... These two should be considered together, because nausea is just a forme fruste of vomiting. This symptom lends itself well to anatomic analysis, particularly by the target method illustrated ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal distention refers to increased abdominal girth — the result of increased intra-abdominal pressure forcing the abdominal wall outward. Distention may be mild or severe, depending on the amount of pressure. It may... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Commonly detected on routine physical examination, an abdominal mass is a localized swelling in one abdominal quadrant. Typically, this sign develops insidiously and may represent an enlarged... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but it can be caused by a reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular disorder; drug use; or ingestion of... Emergency interventions ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Dyspepsia refers to an uncomfortable fullness after meals that's associated with nausea, belching, heartburn and, possibly, cramping and abdominal distention. Frequently aggravated... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of gastric contents through the mouth. Characteristically preceded by nausea, vomiting results from a coordinated sequence of abdominal muscle... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Detected by palpation, abdominal rigidity refers to abnormal muscle tension or inflexibility of the abdomen. Rigidity may be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary rigidity... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Mechanical Bowel Obstruction Extraluminal compression Congenital abnormalities ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Diffuse Gastroenteritis Peritonitis Pancreatitis Leukemia Sickle cell crisis Early ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal Disorders Inflammatory disorders Peritoneum Peritonitis (chemical or bacterial) ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Central Nervous System Disorders Increased intracranial pressure Head trauma Central nervous system ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Signs and Symptoms Pulsating mass in periumbilical area, systolic bruit over aorta, tenderness with deep palpation, flank and groin pain, weakness, sweating, tachycardia, hypotension ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal aneurysm, an abnormal dilation in the arterial wall, generally occurs in the aorta between the renal arteries and iliac branches. Rupture — in which the aneurysm breaks open, resulting in profuse bleeding — ... Causes and incidence ... Signs and symptoms ... Diagnosis ... Treatment ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Blunt and penetrating abdominal injuries may damage major blood vessels and internal organs. Their most immediate life-threatening consequences are hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock; later threats include infection. The prognosis depends on... Causes and incidence ... Signs and symptoms ... Diagnosis ... Treatment ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Signs and Symptoms Pallor, cyanosis, pain, tachycardia, dyspnea, hypotension, bruising, abdominal distention and rigidity Treatment (Tx) I.V. fluid ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal distention refers to increased abdominal girth—the result of increased intra-abdominal pressure forcing the abdominal wall outward. Distention may be mild or severe, depending on the amount of pressure. It... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Commonly detected on routine physical examination, an abdominal mass is a localized swelling in one abdominal quadrant. Typically, this sign develops insidiously and may represent an enlarged organ, a neoplasm, an abscess, a... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but it can also be caused by a reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular disorder; drug use; or ingestion of toxins. At times, such... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Dyspepsia refers to an uncomfortable fullness after meals that’s associated with nausea, belching, heartburn and, possibly, cramping and abdominal distention. Frequently aggravated by spicy, fatty, or high-fiber... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of gastric contents through the mouth. Characteristically preceded by nausea, vomiting results from a coordinated sequence of abdominal muscle contractions and reverse... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Detected by palpation, abdominal rigidity refers to abnormal muscle tension or inflexibility of the abdomen. Rigidity may be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary rigidity reflects the patient... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Richard W. Emerine Abdominal pain of varying causes, ranging from the functional to the organic, is one of the top ten outpatient complaints; it is the chief complaint for 5%... Approach ... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Eric M. Walsh Approach Nausea and vomiting are common presenting complaints in office practice. An effective diagnostic approach will consider causes both within the gastrointestinal (GI) system, and... History. ... Physical examination. ... Testing. ... Diagnostic assessment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑ Irritable bowel syndrome ❑ Peptic ulcer disease ❑ Cholecystitis ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview Generalized/Periumbilical ❑ Gastroenteritis ❑ Obstipation ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview Abdominal Mass ❑ Liver enlargement ❑ Spleen enlargement ❑ Fecal mass ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview Ascites ❑ Right-sided heart failure ❑ Cirrhosis ❑ Hypoalbuminemia ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview Presenting Symptom ❑ Gastroesophageal reflux ❑ Pregnancy ❑ Psychogenic ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... With abdominal aneurysm, an abnormal dilation in the arterial wall generally occurs in the aorta between the renal arteries and iliac branches. Such aneurysms are four times... Causes ... Signs and symptoms ... Diagnosis ... Treatment ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Blunt and penetrating abdominal injuries may damage major blood vessels as well as internal organs. Their most immediate life-threatening consequences are hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock; later threats include infection. The prognosis... Causes ... Signs and symptoms ... Diagnosis ... Treatment ... Special considerations ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but can also be caused by drug use, ingestion of toxins, or disorders of the reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular systems. At times, such pain signals life... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of gastric contents through the mouth. Characteristically preceded by nausea, vomiting results from a coordinated sequence of abdominal muscle contractions and reverse esophageal peristalsis.... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal rigidity has been described as abnormal muscle tension or inflexibility of the abdomen, and as an abdominal muscle spasm with involuntary guarding. Rigidity is detected by... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal distention refers to increased abdominal girth — the result of increased intra-abdominal pressure forcing the abdominal wall outward. Distention may be mild or severe, depending on the amount of pressure.... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Commonly detected on routine physical examination, an abdominal mass is a localized swelling in one abdominal quadrant. Typically, this sign develops insidiously and may represent an enlarged... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but it can be caused by a reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular disorder; drug use; or ingestion of toxins. At times, such pain signals life... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Dyspepsia refers to an uncomfortable fullness after meals that’s associated with nausea, belching, heartburn and, possibly, cramping and abdominal distention. Frequently aggravated by spicy, fatty, or high-fiber foods and by... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of gastric contents through the mouth. Characteristically preceded by nausea, vomiting results from a coordinated sequence of abdominal muscle contractions and reverse esophageal... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Detected by palpation, abdominal rigidity refers to abnormal muscle tension or inflexibility of the abdomen. Also known as abdominal muscle spasm or involuntary... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Many diseasescause abdominal pain, and clinical dilemma is to distinguish life-threateningones from those that are mild and self-limited. Best way to approach diagnosis is toconsider... Principal Causes of Acute Abdominal Pain ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis: Acute Abdominal Pain ... Diagnostic Approach: Acute Abdominal Pain ... Principal Causes of Chronic or Recurrent Abdominal Pain ... Diagnostic Approach: Chronic or Recurrent Abdominal Pain ... References ... READ EXCERPTS »
...Although vomiting, abdominal pain, GI bleeding,hematuria, and fever accompany some types of abdominal mass lesions,other types occur without any associated signs and symptoms. Thus,it is especially important to examine... Principal Causes of Abdominal Masses ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis ... Diagnostic Approach ... References ... READ EXCERPTS »
...Regurgitation is the nonforceful expulsionof contents from esophagus or stomach, whereas vomiting is the forcefulexpulsion of gastric contents through the mouth. The first partof... Principal Causes of Regurgitation ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis: Regurgitation ... Diagnostic Approach: Regurgitation ... Principal Causes of Vomiting ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis: Vomiting ... Diagnostic Approach: Vomiting ... References ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal distention refers to increased abdominal girth—the result of increased intra-abdominal pressure forcing the abdominal wall outward. Distention may be mild or severe,... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Commonly detected on routine physical examination, an abdominal mass is a localized swelling in one abdominal quadrant. Typically, this sign develops insidiously and may represent an enlarged organ, a neoplasm, an abscess, a vascular... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Abdominal pain usually results from a GI disorder, but it can be caused by a reproductive, genitourinary (GU), musculoskeletal, or vascular disorder; drug use; or ingestion of... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Dyspepsia refers to an uncomfortable fullness after meals that's associated with nausea, belching, heartburn and, possibly, cramping and abdominal distention. Frequently aggravated by spicy,... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of gastric contents through the mouth. Characteristically preceded by nausea, vomiting results from a coordinated sequence of abdominal muscle contractions and reverse esophageal... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Detected by palpation, abdominal rigidity refers to abnormal muscle tension or inflexibility of the abdomen. Rigidity may be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary rigidity reflects the... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... As the physician examines the abdomen, how can he or she recall all of the causes of a mass or swelling? The physician should consider the possibilities for the... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... These two should be considered together, because nausea is just a forme fruste of vomiting. This symptom lends itself well to anatomic analysis, particularly... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The GI tract is the only “organ” that really covers the abdomen from one end to the other. Anything that causes an irritation of all or a large portion of this “tube”... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Marina Catallozzi Approach to the Patient with Abdominal Pain I. Definition of the Complaint ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... I. History of Present Illness A 13-year-old boy presented with recurrent abdominal pain. He reported intermittent right upper ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... I. History of Present Illness A 5-year-old girl was well until 2 days before presentation, when she developed emesis and fever. On the day of presentation, she ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... I. History of Present Illness The patient, an 11-year-old girl, was well until 1 year before presentation, when she was diagnosed with streptococcal pharyngitis. ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... I. History of Present Illness A 9-year-old girl was well until 6 days before admission, when she developed vomiting, abdominal pain, and ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... I. History of Present Illness The patient, an 8-year-old boy, was well until 4 hours before presentation. At that time, he developed crampy ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... I. History of Present Illness The patient, a 2-year-old girl, was well until 1 month before presentation, when she began to experience intermittent periods of ... READ EXCERPTS »
... I. History of Present Illness A 3-year-old girl of Sri Lankan descent who was born in the United States presented to the emergency ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Author: Michael Clemmens, MD What to Do - Interpret the Data Ovarian torsion is an uncommon condition with potentially serious complications. Torsion occurs when the ovary twists on its... Suggested Readings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Author: Michael S. Potter and Anthony Slonim, MD What to Do - Gather Appropriate Data Teen pregnancy in the United States is disproportionately more frequent than it is in other industrialized nations, and... Suggested Reading ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Author: Caroline Rassbach, MD What to Do - Gather Appropriate Data Testicular torsion and ectopic pregnancy present similarly to appendicitis, and both have serious morbidity if not... Suggested Readings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Kurt A. Brown, MD Abdominal Pain - BASICS Abdominal Pain - description A child’s complaint of abdominal pain can originate from gastrointestinal and non-GI... Abdominal Pain - DIAGNOSIS ... Abdominal Pain - FOLLOW UP ... Abdominal Pain - bibliography ... Abdominal Pain - CODES ... READ EXCERPTS »
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