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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...
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,...
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...
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...
Peripherally and Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: A Comparison01:09

Peripherally and Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: A Comparison

Skeletal muscle relaxants can target the central nervous system [CNS] to reduce muscle tension or act directly at the neuromuscular junction to induce temporary paralysis. These two classes of muscle relaxants are called centrally acting muscle relaxants and peripherally acting muscle relaxants. They differ in their action, mechanism, administration route, and clinical uses.
Centrally acting muscle relaxants can be further divided into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic drugs,...
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment01:24

Parkinson's Disease: Treatment

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

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

Managing spasticity with drugs.

O Simon1, A P Yelnik

  • 1Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, AP-HP, GH Bichat, University Paris7, Paris, France. olivier.simon@bch.aphp.fr

European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
|October 8, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Spasticity treatment requires a comprehensive approach, integrating medications, physical therapy, and other interventions based on individual patient needs. This review examines various drug therapies for spasticity management.

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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

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Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

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

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Published on: August 9, 2024

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

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Spasticity frequently results from pyramidal system lesions.
  • Treatment paradigms have evolved, with increased use of Botulinum toxin.
  • A holistic approach is crucial, considering patient-specific factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and discuss commonly used drug therapies for spasticity.
  • To highlight the importance of integrating drug therapy with other treatment modalities.
  • To address gaps in current guidelines regarding comprehensive spasticity management.

Main Methods:

  • Extensive literature review of randomized controlled trials and clinical consensus.
  • Analysis of drug therapies commonly employed in spasticity management.
  • Comparison of international guidelines for spasticity treatment.

Main Results:

  • Randomized controlled trials provide established facts for some treatments.
  • Significant uncertainties remain, necessitating clinical experience for guidance.
  • French guidelines uniquely encompass all drug therapies for spasticity.

Conclusions:

  • Spasticity management necessitates a multimodal strategy beyond pharmacotherapy.
  • Physical therapy is an essential component of spasticity treatment.
  • Further research and consensus are needed to clarify optimal drug use in spasticity.