What it means
A contraction that the person does not control. It can affect skeletal muscle (a cramp in the calf or back), or the smooth muscle of the airways (bronchospasm), the blood vessels (vasospasm), the bladder or the bowel. Spasms can be painful and brief or last longer.
For the nurse
Bladder spasms are common after bladder surgery or with a urinary catheter; check that the catheter is draining. Muscle spasms with tingling can be a sign of low calcium or magnesium.
At a glance
| Spanish | espasmo |
|---|---|
| Also written | spasms |
Related terms
contraction
The tightening and shortening of a muscle.
smooth muscle
Muscle that works without conscious control and lines hollow organs such as the stomach, intestines, bladder, airways and blood vessels.
skeletal muscle
Muscle attached to bones that a person moves by choice, such as the muscles of the arms and legs.
hypocalcemia
A blood calcium level below normal.