Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis (RM) is the breakdown of muscle tissue. This releases toxic substances into the bloodstream. The most common cause for this condition is muscle injury. The injury may be from an accident, such as a car or bike accident, a crushing injury to part of your body, a fall, electrical shock, or severe burn. Very strenuous exercise, such as long-distance running, can also cause RM. So can lying in one position for a long time, such as when unconscious. It can also happen when an older adult falls on the floor and remains there because they can't get up or call for help. Certain medicines, poisons, drugs, or infections can also cause it, as can long seizures from any cause.

RM often has no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include rust-colored urine and muscle pain or weakness.

Severe RM can be fatal. It can cause serious problems with the kidneys and heart. It can also cause severe problems in many of the electrolytes in your body and bloodstream. Symptoms of severe RM may include fever, fast heart rate, and belly (abdominal) pain. It can also affect the blood’s ability to form a clot. Because of this, RM is a medical emergency. It's treated in the hospital or emergency room with IV (intravenous) fluids to flush the toxins out of the body.