Proctalgia Fugax

Fleeting and intense anorectal pain, occurring at irregular intervals and lasting several seconds to 20 minutes.

Proctalgia fugax occurs in about 13% of adults and is 2 to 3 times more common among women than among men. Incidence in the elderly is unknown. Suggested causes include laxity of the anal sphincter, muscular tenseness proximal to the anal shelf resulting in spasm, and increased contractile activity of the sigmoid colon. Stress and anxiety can precipitate episodes. Many patients have other functional bowel symptoms. The condition is diagnosed by its symptoms.

If episodes are frequent, relaxation training and cognitive behavior therapy may be considered, but their effectiveness has not been established. Drugs have not shown consistent benefit.