A diagnostic approach to recurrent myalgia and rhabdomyolysis in children

Episodic myalgia is a common complaint in children and young adults. While many cases remain idiopathic even after extensive investigation, myalgia can be the first symptom of an underlying serious neuromuscular condition, and can be associated with an increased risk of such serious complications as rhabdomyolysis and malignant hyperthermia. We review and highlight the metabolic myopathies and other increasingly recognised muscle disorders that may present to paediatricians with episodic myalgia or isolated episodes of rhabdomyolysis, and propose a diagnostic algorithm for investigation of these complaints.