What Causes Rhabdomyolysis?

Muscle Contractions From Prolonged Seizures

Muscle contractions from prolonged seizures are one of the most common causes of rhabdomyolysis. Seizures are usually associated with epilepsy, but they can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption or extremely high fevers. A seizure can involve muscle spasms or convulsions, which may cause damage to the muscles. The amount of muscle damage depends on the duration and severity of the seizure.

Grand mal seizures are the most likely to cause muscle damage, but they usually only last a few minutes. A longer-lasting seizure is a medical emergency whether it causes rhabdomyolysis or not. In addition to muscle damage from convulsions, seizures can also cause falling accidents that result in muscle injury. Furthermore, seizures often cause unconsciousness. The resulting lack of body movement augments the risk of pressure building up in the injured muscles.

Discover the major type of injury that can result in rhabdomyolysis next.