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Levator ani syndrome and proctalgia fugax

Levator ani syndrome refers to chronic or recurrent rectal pain, with episodes lasting 20 minutes or longer. Proctalgia fugax connotes anorectal pain.

Levator ani syndrome and proctalgia fugax are more common in patients under age 45, and psychological factors.

Levator Ani Syndrome is caused by chronic tension of the levator muscle. Proctalgia fugax is caused by rectal muscle spasm. Proctalgia fugax and levator ani syndrome have not been found to be of psychosomatic origin, although stressful events may trigger attacks.

Diagnosis and clinical features

Levator ani syndrome is characterized by a vague, indefinite rectal discomfort or pain. The pain is felt high in the rectum.

Treatment

Levator ani syndrome. Treatment with hot baths, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or levator muscle.

Proctalgia Fugax. For patients with frequent attacks, physical modalities such as hot packs or direct anal pressure with a finger or proctalgia fugax, levator ani syndrome.