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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll01:11

Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects01:21

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects

Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
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...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Implantation of Osmotic Pumps and Induction of Stress to Establish a Symptomatic, Pharmacological Mouse Model for DYT/PARK-ATP1A3 Dystonia
10:41

Implantation of Osmotic Pumps and Induction of Stress to Establish a Symptomatic, Pharmacological Mouse Model for DYT/PARK-ATP1A3 Dystonia

Published on: September 12, 2020

Update on dystonia.

Alberto Albanese1, Stefania Lalli

  • 1Neurologia I, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy. alberto.albanese@unicatt.it

Current Opinion in Neurology
|May 22, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Dystonia is a neurological syndrome primarily of genetic origin. Recent research clarifies its clinical features, genetics, and points to corticostriatal, cerebellar, and dopaminergic dysfunction in its pathophysiology.

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Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Implantation of Osmotic Pumps and Induction of Stress to Establish a Symptomatic, Pharmacological Mouse Model for DYT/PARK-ATP1A3 Dystonia
10:41

Implantation of Osmotic Pumps and Induction of Stress to Establish a Symptomatic, Pharmacological Mouse Model for DYT/PARK-ATP1A3 Dystonia

Published on: September 12, 2020

Measurement & Analysis of the Temporal Discrimination Threshold Applied to Cervical Dystonia
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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Genetics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Dystonia encompasses a spectrum of neurological syndromes, often with a genetic basis.
  • Understanding the clinical presentation and underlying pathology is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent literature on dystonia syndromes.
  • To consolidate knowledge on clinical features, genetics, neuropathology, and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on dystonia.
  • Analysis of clinical, genetic, and neurophysiological data.
  • Examination of neuropathological findings and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Dystonia is characterized by a defined set of physical signs.
  • Primary dystonia syndromes (DYT1, DYT6) have well-studied molecular genetics.
  • Altered synaptic plasticity and roles for dopamine and acetylcholine transmission are implicated.

Conclusions:

  • Novel hypotheses on dystonia's cellular mechanisms and pathophysiology have emerged.
  • Evidence suggests convergence of corticostriatal, cerebellar, and dopaminergic dysfunctions.
  • Neurophysiological studies, imaging, and animal models support these findings.