What is Proctalgia Fugax?
A variant of levator syndrome is known as proctalgia fugax (fleeting rectal pain). This is characterized by brief, intense pain in the rectum that lasts for just seconds to minutes. The spasms often wake patients from sleep, but may happen during the day as well. Proctalgia fugax is difficult to evaluate due to its brief episodes, but often may be diagnosed on history alone. It is felt to be due to cramping of the pelvic floor muscles.
