Oral TRP‑Channel Therapy Eases Muscle Cramps Quickly

Author: American Academy of Neurology
Published: 2015/02/19 - Updated: 2025/08/05
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Informative
Category Topic: Bones and Joints - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This research presents findings from a clinical study conducted by the American Academy of Neurology on a promising new treatment for muscle cramps and spasms. The information is authoritative because it originates from the American Academy of Neurology, a professional medical association representing over 28,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, and is based on controlled clinical research involving 37 participants in a randomized, blinded study.

The treatment addresses a significant medical need, particularly for the estimated four million US adults over 65 who suffer from nocturnal leg cramps, offering hope for those with neuromuscular disorders, multiple sclerosis, spinal spasticity, and cervical dystonia. The research demonstrates that this oral treatment, which works by stimulating TRP ion channels to stop excessive neuron firing in the spinal cord, reduced cramp intensity by three times compared to placebo and provided relief lasting six to eight hours, making it especially valuable for seniors and individuals with disabilities who experience chronic cramping that disrupts sleep and daily activities - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

A new treatment may bring hope for people who suffer from muscle cramps or spasms from neuromuscular disorders, diseases such as multiple sclerosis or simply from nighttime leg cramps that keep people from sleeping, according to a study released.

Main Content

A cramp is defined as sudden, severe, and involuntary muscle contraction or over-shortening; while generally temporary and non-damaging, they can cause mild-to-excruciating pain, and a paralysis-like immobility of the affected muscle(s). Onset is usually sudden, and it resolves on its own over a period of several seconds, minutes, or hours. Cramps may occur in skeletal muscle or smooth muscle. Skeletal muscle cramps may be caused by any combination of muscle fatigue, a lack of electrolytes (e.g., low sodium, low potassium, or low magnesium). Cramps of smooth muscle may be due to menstruation or gastroenteritis.

"We estimate that approximately four million US adults over the age of 65 suffer daily from nocturnal leg cramps, a condition for which there is significant unmet need since there are no approved treatments," said study author Rod MacKinnon, MD, Nobel laureate and co-founder of Flex Pharma in Boston. "These leg cramps can cause distress, interrupted sleep, reduced quality of life and interference with activities of daily living."

The treatment is based on research showing that cramps are caused by excessive firing of neurons in the spinal cord that control muscle contraction. The treatment is designed to stop the firing of the neurons by stimulating the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels.

For the study, the researchers used an electrical neurostimulator to induce muscle cramps in the feet of 37 healthy people. In the randomized, blinded study, half of the participants received the treatment while half received a placebo. Then both groups received the other treatment.

When participants received the treatment, which was taken by mouth, their cramps were three times less intense than when they received the placebo. The treatment took effect within minutes and lasted up to six to eight hours.

"These results support our belief that this treatment has significant potential as a solution for people suffering from muscle cramping and possibly spasms from a broad range of neuromuscular disorders, nighttime leg cramps, multiple sclerosis, spinal spasticity and cervical dystonia. Cramps can impact even the world's fittest athletes at critical times," said MacKinnon.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 28,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care.

A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by American Academy of Neurology and published on 2015/02/19, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.