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Related Concept Videos

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants01:28

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Skeletal muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that can reduce muscle stiffness and induce temporary paralysis to relieve pain. These agents can act centrally to reduce muscle tone or spasms in painful conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or spinal injuries; they are called antispasmodics or spasmolytics.
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin01:26

Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin

Directly acting muscle relaxants like dantrolene and botulinum toxin (BoNT) have distinct mechanisms and applications. Dantrolene, a hydantoin derivative, acts on the ryanodine receptor (RYR1) in skeletal muscle cells. RYR1 are calcium channels present at the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. In response to excitation, they release calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol. Calcium promotes actin-myosin-mediated contraction of muscles.
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:31

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx as...
Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:24

Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Centrally acting muscle relaxants reduce muscle tone and tension by interfering with the postsynaptic reflexes in the central nervous system.
Centrally acting drugs are classified into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic drugs such as baclofen, diazepam, and tizanidine inhibit spinal motor neurons and decrease muscle tone. Spasmolytic drugs are administered for severe and chronic spasms due to multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, and spinal cord and muscle injuries. However,...
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route01:29

Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route

The parenteral route is a critical method of drug administration. It delivers compounds directly into the systemic circulation and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. This approach is particularly advantageous for drugs that exhibit poor absorption or instability when administered orally.
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
Tetanus01:29

Tetanus

Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disorder characterized by persistent muscle contractions and spastic paralysis. It is caused by Clostridium tetani, a motile, Gram-positive, rod-shaped, obligate anaerobe. These bacteria produce terminal endospores, giving them a distinctive “lollipop” or “tennis-racket” appearance. They thrive in anaerobic environments, such as those found in deep puncture wounds.Once introduced into the body, the spores germinate into vegetative cells. These cells...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Breathing-controlled Electrical Stimulation (BreEStim) for Management of Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity
11:34

Breathing-controlled Electrical Stimulation (BreEStim) for Management of Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity

Published on: January 10, 2013

Intrathecal baclofen for spastic hypertonia from stroke.

J M Meythaler1, S Guin-Renfroe, R C Brunner

  • 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Division of Neurological Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, USA. JMeythal@uab.edu

Stroke
|September 8, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion effectively reduces spastic hypertonia in stroke survivors. This treatment offers a sustained reduction in spasticity, improving patient outcomes.

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Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Breathing-controlled Electrical Stimulation (BreEStim) for Management of Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity
11:34

Breathing-controlled Electrical Stimulation (BreEStim) for Management of Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity

Published on: January 10, 2013

Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity
08:40

Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity

Published on: June 12, 2019

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
07:20

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 9, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often resulting in spastic hypertonia.
  • Spasticity significantly impacts motor function and quality of life in stroke survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion for managing stroke-induced spastic hypertonia.
  • To assess the long-term effects of intrathecal baclofen therapy on spasticity.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted.
  • Patients received either intrathecal baclofen or placebo, followed by continuous intrathecal baclofen pump implantation for eligible participants.
  • Spasticity was assessed using Ashworth and Penn spasm frequency scores over 12 months.

Main Results:

  • Intrathecal baclofen significantly reduced lower and upper extremity spasticity scores compared to placebo at 6 hours.
  • Continuous infusion over 12 months demonstrated sustained reductions in spastic hypertonia.
  • The average effective dose for continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion was 268 microgram/day.

Conclusions:

  • Continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion is an effective method for reducing and maintaining reduced spastic hypertonia post-stroke.
  • This therapy offers a viable long-term solution for managing debilitating spasticity in stroke survivors.