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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...
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...
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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...
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...
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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Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is to...

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Related Experiment Video

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Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI
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Spasticity: pathophysiology, evaluation and management.

Ammar Kheder1, Krishnan Padmakumari Sivaraman Nair

  • 1Department of Neurology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Glossop Road, Sheffield, UK.

Practical Neurology
|September 15, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Spasticity, a common neurological symptom in disorders like stroke, involves increased muscle tone and spasms. Management includes trigger elimination, therapy, medications, injections, and surgery.

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Published on: June 12, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroscience
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Spasticity is a prevalent symptom in neurological conditions such as stroke and multiple sclerosis.
  • It is a component of the upper motor neurone syndrome, characterized by increased muscle tone, clonus, spasms, and co-contractions.
  • The severity of spasticity ranges from mild to severe, potentially causing pain and contractures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of spasticity's pathophysiology.
  • To outline the clinical features associated with spasticity.
  • To summarize the various management strategies for spasticity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current understanding of spasticity.
  • Analysis of clinical features and impact of spasticity.
  • Compilation of management options including trigger identification, physiotherapy, oral medications, focal injections, and surgical interventions.

Main Results:

  • Spasticity is exacerbated by external factors like infections and pressure ulcers.
  • A multimodal approach is necessary for effective spasticity management.
  • Treatment options range from conservative measures to advanced interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Effective spasticity management requires a comprehensive approach addressing underlying causes and symptoms.
  • Understanding the pathophysiology and clinical presentation is crucial for tailoring treatment.
  • The review provides an overview of current therapeutic strategies for spasticity.