Upper extremity contractures in a patient with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome.

Marchman, H B; Gleason, C B; Shaw, J C · Arch Phys Med Rehabil · 1991

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid taken as an over-the-counter nutritional supplement for a variety of conditions including chronic pain, insomnia, and depression. In October 1989 several patients were reported having eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) who had taken L-tryptophan in large doses. Little is known about the long-term outcomes of EMS. A patient with EMS who developed contractures of the upper extremities because of severe myalgias is discussed. Early aggressive rehabilitative intervention may prevent contractures in patients with EMS.

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