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Spasmolytic Agents: Chemical Classification

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 Uses

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,...

Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology

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 ll

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...

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

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...

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

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: May 16, 2026

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

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

Published on: April 18, 2011

Management of spasticity from spinal cord dysfunction.

Jeffrey A Strommen¹

¹Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. strommen.jeffrey@mayo.edu

Neurologic Clinics

|November 29, 2012

Summary

Spasticity, a common spinal cord dysfunction symptom, causes pain and functional impairment. Early conservative treatments like avoiding triggers and daily stretching are crucial for managing this condition.

Area of Science:

Neurology
Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

Spasticity frequently complicates spinal cord dysfunction.
It can cause pain, contractures, pressure sores, and functional limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline the importance of goal-oriented spasticity treatment.
To emphasize the role of conservative measures in managing spasticity.

Main Methods:

Identifying patient-specific treatment goals.
Assessing spasticity's impact on transfers and ambulation.
Implementing conservative management strategies.

Main Results:

Conservative measures are foundational in all patient cases.
Avoiding noxious stimuli and daily stretching are key components.

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Last Updated: May 16, 2026

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

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

Published on: April 18, 2011

Treating Low Back Pain in Failed Back Surgery Patients with Multicolumn-lead Spinal Cord Stimulation

Treating Low Back Pain in Failed Back Surgery Patients with Multicolumn-lead Spinal Cord Stimulation

Published on: June 26, 2018

Conclusions:

Effective spasticity management requires individualized goals.
Conservative treatments are essential for improving function and preventing complications.