Jonathan Aarons M.D.

Tired of Chronic Pain?

Devil’s Grip

Devil's Grip
Devil’s Grip

Devil’s Grip is an unusual cause of chest pain.  The cocksackie virus is the cause of devil’s grip and can manifest as  mild flu-like symptoms or a severe case causing pleurisy.  The virus can cause headache and myalgia but may also cause severe chest wall pain or upper abdominal pain.  The disease, also known as Borhholm’s disease, is highly contagious and can be passed from person to person.  The majority of the cases occur in the summer months.  The disease usually last about a week with full recovery.  Treatment is largely symptomatic, using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and mild narcotics.  Other causes of these symptoms must also be excluded and include myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolus.

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