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Upper motor neuron evaluation in multiple sclerosis patients treated with Sativex®
A Carotenuto1, R Iodice1, M Petracca1,2
1Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|August 9, 2016
Summary
Corticospinal tract (CST) damage is present in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with spasticity. Sativex® treatment reduced spasticity symptoms, but structural or electrophysiological changes were not identified as the cause.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) arises from disrupted descending pathways and corticospinal tract (CST) damage.
- Understanding CST integrity is crucial for managing MS-related spasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess CST impairment in MS patients with and without spasticity.
- To evaluate the evolution of CST impairment under Sativex® treatment.
Main Methods:
- Clinical assessments (EDSS, Ashworth scale, etc.), MRI (CST fractional anisotropy - FA), and electrophysiology (CMCT) were performed on MS patients with spasticity and a control group.
- Evaluations were conducted at baseline and after 12 months of Sativex® treatment for the spasticity group.
Main Results:
- MS patients with spasticity exhibited lower CST FA and higher CMCT at baseline compared to controls.
- After 12 months, CST FA decreased in the spasticity group, while electrophysiological measures remained unchanged.
- Sativex® treatment led to a significant reduction in spasticity as measured by the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).
Conclusions:
- CST impairment is confirmed in MS patients experiencing spasticity.
- The study did not identify specific structural or electrophysiological correlates to explain the clinical benefits of Sativex® in reducing spasticity.
