title: Upper extremity contractures in a patient with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome.
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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Frazier Rehabilitation Center, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, KY.
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Marchman
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Gleason
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Shaw
mesh_terms: D001132:Arm; D016603:Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D014364:Tryptophan