‘Nerve pain’ in the ANUS or RECTUM, without any local disease to account for it. Proctalgia fugax (‘fleeting’) is characterised by sudden and short-lasting cramp-like pains in the rectum occasionally accompanied by a feeling of faintness. The cause is unknown but is probably due to muscle spasm. Rapid relief may be achieved by taking food or drink, exerting perineal pressure (including inserting a finger into the rectum), or, if severe, sucking a 1 mg tablet of GLYCERYL TRINITRATE.