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What Causes Abdominal Muscles Contraction?
Question: 42 year old, profoundly mentally retarded male with seizure disorder and spastic quadriplegia hospitalized repeatedly since October (when he had an open wound on his hand) with low grade to 106.3 temps. Had three blood infections at one point. Has basically been on IV antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics just about continually since Oct. Multiple uti's. Most recently the hospital sent him home without antibiotics - stated he'd been colonized and the illness just had to run it's course. In the meantime he's going thru periods where he appears to be in pain, moaning and contracting his abdominal muscles. Then it goes away. But within days of stopping an antibiotic it appears to come back. He has a baclofen pump. I'm wondering if that could be related.
We did have the neurologist who put in the baclofen pump check it and he said it was fine. - Could he have developed an allergy to the baclofen itself? Misc info:
His white count does not go up when he has an infection apparently. Most recently he has become catheter dependent - is unable to urinate without the XXXXXXX Since the catheter he's had multiple uti's - to the point where his catheter became clogged with sediment and had to be changed and flushed twice. His output right now is good. But he's having the contractions. Right now he has a low grade temp of 100.
We did have the neurologist who put in the baclofen pump check it and he said it was fine. - Could he have developed an allergy to the baclofen itself? Misc info:
His white count does not go up when he has an infection apparently. Most recently he has become catheter dependent - is unable to urinate without the XXXXXXX Since the catheter he's had multiple uti's - to the point where his catheter became clogged with sediment and had to be changed and flushed twice. His output right now is good. But he's having the contractions. Right now he has a low grade temp of 100.
Brief Answer:
Probably gastroenteric infection too.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Abdominal muscles contraction is a sign of bowel disfunction that causes pain and most probably in this case is a gastroenteric infection going on. ( bacterial, viral or mycotic).
Abdominal discomfort and contraction is a side effect of Baclofen use too, but infection ( in this case most probably mycotic due to prolonged antibiotics use) should be ruled out first with lab tests.
Another thing to evaluate is Calcium blood level that may cause similar symptoms if it's low.
White blood cells low count and low temperature result most probably by blood infection damage ( sepsis) in several organs including bone marrow.
I suggest you to discuss with the treating Doctor above mentioned possibilities,lab tests needed to evaluate a possible gastroenteric infection.
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Probably gastroenteric infection too.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Abdominal muscles contraction is a sign of bowel disfunction that causes pain and most probably in this case is a gastroenteric infection going on. ( bacterial, viral or mycotic).
Abdominal discomfort and contraction is a side effect of Baclofen use too, but infection ( in this case most probably mycotic due to prolonged antibiotics use) should be ruled out first with lab tests.
Another thing to evaluate is Calcium blood level that may cause similar symptoms if it's low.
White blood cells low count and low temperature result most probably by blood infection damage ( sepsis) in several organs including bone marrow.
I suggest you to discuss with the treating Doctor above mentioned possibilities,lab tests needed to evaluate a possible gastroenteric infection.
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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