Which of the following are common symptoms of rhabdomyolysis?

• A. Generalized muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramping, and dark-red or cola-colored urine (urine discoloration from myoglobin).
• B. Dizziness only.
• C. Headache only.
• D. Rash on skin.

Answer: (A)

Rhabdomyolysis is marked by muscle breakdown that releases contents into the bloodstream, leading to several classic symptoms. The most characteristic cluster includes generalized muscle pain and weakness, along with systemic gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting and abdominal cramps. A key clue is urine discoloration—dark-red or cola-colored urine—caused by myoglobin spilling into the urine from damaged muscle. This combination of muscle pain/weakness, GI symptoms, and dark urine reflects the muscle breakdown and potential kidney impact, making it the best match for common signs of rhabdomyolysis.

Dizziness, headache, or a rash are not typical central features of this condition and would not commonly be expected as the hallmark symptoms.