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Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI
Published on: April 18, 2011
Alpha adrenergic and serotonergic agents in the treatment of spastic hypertonia
1Comprehensive Rehabilitation, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California, USA.
Abstract:
In the treatment of patients with problematic spasticity, it is important to consider the following steps: 1. Establish the functional impact of the spasticity. 2. Identify the functional goal to be achieved by treatment. 3. Eliminate any remediable spasticity aggravating factors. 4. Evaluate the effects of previous antispasticity treatments. 5. Consider nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments. 6. Initiate therapy with a low dosage, and titrate judiciously. 7. Stop the titration when functional goal is achieved. 8. If goal is not achieved or if side effects are intolerable, consider a second medication.
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