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Related Concept Videos

Spasmolytic Agents: Chemical Classification01:29

Spasmolytic Agents: Chemical Classification

Spasmolytic agents are drugs used to alleviate muscle spasms and spasticity. They can be categorized into different chemical groups based on their mechanisms of action. Centrally acting spasmolytics primarily affect the spinal cord, while others directly target skeletal muscle cells.
A major class of centrally acting spasmolytics is the α2-agonist, such as tizanidine. These drugs bind to α2-adrenoceptors, inhibiting the release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. They also promote...
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...
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology01:14

Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology

Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll01:12

Alterations in Muscle Tone ll

Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology01:25

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI
14:55

Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI

Published on: April 18, 2011

Spasticity after spinal cord injury.

M M Adams1, A L Hicks

  • 1Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Spinal Cord
|April 20, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Spasticity symptoms after spinal cord injury (SCI) impact quality of life and are often poorly managed due to varied presentations. Better understanding and assessment tools are needed for effective spasticity management in SCI patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Spinal Cord Injury Research

Background:

  • Spasticity is a common and often debilitating symptom following spinal cord injury (SCI).
  • Current management of spasticity in SCI is frequently suboptimal, potentially due to the syndrome's diverse clinical presentations and underlying causes.
  • The negative impact of spasticity on the quality of life for individuals with SCI underscores the need for improved understanding and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the symptoms and pathophysiology of various spasticity presentations in the SCI population.
  • To discuss current, accepted management techniques for spasticity in individuals with SCI.
  • To highlight the need for enhanced understanding and the development of reliable assessment tools for spasticity in SCI.

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Activity-based Training on a Treadmill with Spinal Cord Injured Wistar Rats

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI
14:55

Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI

Published on: April 18, 2011

Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury
08:07

Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury

Published on: February 1, 2018

Activity-based Training on a Treadmill with Spinal Cord Injured Wistar Rats
06:40

Activity-based Training on a Treadmill with Spinal Cord Injured Wistar Rats

Published on: January 16, 2019

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on spasticity in spinal cord injury.
  • Summary of clinical presentations, etiological factors, and pathophysiological mechanisms of spasticity post-SCI.
  • Discussion of current therapeutic strategies and their limitations.

Main Results:

  • Spasticity in SCI presents with diverse clinical features and specific etiologies, complicating management.
  • Existing management strategies, while varied, are not always effective, indicating a gap in care.
  • A critical need exists for a more profound understanding of spasticity's multifaceted nature in SCI.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of spasticity in spinal cord injury requires addressing its varied presentations and underlying pathophysiology.
  • Development of a validated and reliable assessment tool is crucial for optimizing spasticity diagnosis and treatment in SCI.
  • Further research into the syndrome of spasticity is essential to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.