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Muscle relaxants in multiple sclerosis.
1Department of Medicine, McMaster University and Rehabilitation Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
International Disability Studies
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Spasticity significantly impacts mobility in multiple sclerosis. Dantrolene sodium and baclofen offer effective relief for over half of patients when properly managed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Spasticity is a major cause of physical disability in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Current treatments offer limited, though valuable, relief for MS-related spasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of drug therapy for managing spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
- To identify the preferred pharmacological agents for treating MS spasticity.
Main Methods:
- Clinical assessment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients.
- Titration and monitoring of drug therapies, specifically dantrolene sodium and baclofen.
Main Results:
- Dantrolene sodium and baclofen are effective in managing MS spasticity.
- These agents provide clinically suitable relief in over 50% of carefully managed cases.
Conclusions:
- Careful titration and monitoring of dantrolene sodium and/or baclofen are crucial for effective spasticity management in MS.
- Pharmacological intervention with these agents offers significant benefits for a majority of MS patients experiencing spasticity.