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Query: UMLS:C0026838 (spasticity)
 6,471 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Spasticity after a stroke is usually assessed in a score form by subjectively determining the resistance of a joint to an externally imposed passive movement. This work presents a spasticity measurement system for on-line quantifying the stretch reflex of paretic limbs. Four different constant stretch velocities in a ramp-and-hold mode are used to elicit the stretch reflex of the elbow joint in spastic subjects. The subjects are tested at supine position with the upper limb stretched towards the ground, in contrast with the horizontally stretched movement used in other studies. By subtracting the baseline torque, reflex torque measured at a selected low stretch velocity of 5 deg/sec, the influence of gravity torque and inertial in vertical stretching mode can be minimized. The averaged speed-dependent reflex torque (ASRT), defined as the measured torque deviated from the baseline torque, is used for quantifying the spastic hypertonia. Four subjects having incurred cerebrovascular accident (CVA) are recruited for time-course study in which the measurements are taken at 72 hours, one week, one month, three months, and six months after onset of stroke. During the development of spasticity, the changes of ASRT and velocity sensitivity of ASRT of the involved and the intact elbow joints are discussed.
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PMID:Time-course analysis of stretch reflexes in hemiparetic subjects using an on-line spasticity measurement system. 1065 45

Hyperekplexia is a rare paroxysmal disorder characterized by exaggerated startle response, hypertonia during infancy and a transient increase in tone following startle attacks. We report an unusual case of hyperekplexia in a young man. In addition to common symptoms of the condition, we found generalized spasticity persisting beyond infancy, and facial and skeletal dysmorphism. Because of an unsteady gait with frequent falls and raised serum creatine kinase levels, a congenital myopathy had been suspected in the past and an abnormal muscle biopsy had been documented. We diagnosed hyperekplexia at the age of 21 years on clinical grounds and following the response to pharmacological treatment. A mutation in the alpha1 subunit of the glycine receptor confirmed the diagnosis. A repeated needle muscle biopsy demonstrated mild myopathic changes, which we considered to be secondary to increased muscle tone. This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties of hyperekplexia, particularly in sporadic cases with unusual presentation.
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PMID:An unusual case of hyperekplexia. 1081 89

Lesions of the central nervous system often result in an upper motor neuron syndrome including spasticity, paresis with pyramidal signs, and painful spasms. Pharmacological treatment with oral antispasticity drugs is frequently associated with systemic side effects which limit their clinical use. Botulinum Toxin A (BtxA) injected in spastic muscles has been shown to be effective in reducing muscle tone, but only few studies have reported pain relief as additional benefit. Therefore, we investigated the effects of local BtxA injections in 60 patients with acute (< 12 months) and chronic spasticity and pain in a prospective multicenter study. Target muscles for BtxA were selected on the basis of clinical examination. Intramuscular BtxA injections were placed in muscles exhibiting increased muscle tone in combination with pain during passive joint movement. Patients received a mean total dose of 165.7 +/- 108.2 [30-400] units BOTOX((R)) per treatment session in a mean 3.4 +/- 1.5 muscles. Baseline and follow-up (mean 5.9 weeks) measures included a patient self-assessment of pain and function on a five-level scale, a physician's evaluation of function, and a global rating of response to BtxA. Fifty-four of sixty patients experienced improvement in pain without subjective functional improvement. The effects were comparable in acute (n = 17) and chronic (n = 43) spasticity. Physician's assessment of gain in function increased significantly (p < 0.05) only in patients with chronic spasticity. No serious adverse event was observed. Mild reversible side effects (local pain, hematoma, edema, mild weakness) were observed in four patients. In conclusion, we found that intramuscular BtxA injections are a potent, well-tolerated treatment modality to significantly reduce spasticity-related local pain. This problem may be a main indication, especially in patients with poor response or intolerable side effects to oral medication.
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PMID:Management of spasticity associated pain with botulinum toxin A. 1094 68

This review deals with the neuronal mechanisms underlying spastic movement disorder, assessed by electrophysiological means with the aim of first, a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and second, the selection of an adequate treatment. For the patient usually one of the first symptoms of a lesion within the central motor system represents the movement disorder, which is most characteristic during locomotion in patients with spasticity. The clinical examination reveals exaggerated tendon tap reflexes and increased muscle tone typical of the spastic movement disorder. However, today we know that there exists only a weak relationship between the physical signs obtained during the clinical examination in a passive motor condition and the impaired neuronal mechanisms being in operation during an active movement. By the recording and analysis of electrophysiological and biomechanical parameters during a functional movement such as locomotion, the significance of, for example, impaired reflex behaviour or pathophysiology of muscle tone and its contribution to the movement disorder can reliably be assessed. Consequently, an adequate treatment should not be restricted to the cosmetic therapy and correction of an isolated clinical parameter but should be based on the pathophysiology and significance of the mechanisms underlying the disorder of functional movement which impairs the patient.
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PMID:Spastic movement disorder. 1096 97

Chronic cerebellar stimulation (CCS) applied to the superio-medial cortex reduces generalized cerebral spasticity, athetoid movements, and seizures. Eighteen clinics have reported on 600 cerebral palsy (CP) patients who comprise 90% of those treated with CCS. CP patients have varying degrees of limited abilities interfered with by spasticity (primitive reflexes, increased muscle tone, co-contractions, and spasms) and by athetoid movements in two-thirds of the patients. With CCS, spasticity reduction occurred in 85% (marked 25%, moderate 34%, mild 27%) and resulted in improvements in patient drooling, speech, respiration, posture, motor performance, gait, joint range of motion, and mood states. Radiofrequency (RF)-linked stimulators were used initially with serious equipment and calibration problems; 68% of 422 patients improved. When totally implantable controlled-currrent stimulators were used, 86% of 178 patients improved. Our double-blind study of 20 CP patients using this implantable stimulator showed 12 (60%) improved in motor performance, joint range of motion, and profile of mood states when the stimulator was ON. When abilities are graded (1: poor to 9: best), the seven patients with the higher functioning grades (5-8) all improved (99% confidence level). Intractable seizures occurred in 27 (8%) of our CP patients. At a 17-year follow-up, 19 patients contacted were using or had used CCS with 10 (53%) seizure-free and 6 (32%) with reduced seizures. CCS should be given by a totally implanted controlled-current stimulator (1-4 microCoulombs/sq. cm. /phase, 150-200 Hz) applied intermittently to the superio-medial cerebellar cortex for safe, effective, and continuous results.
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PMID:Cerebellar stimulation for cerebral palsy spasticity, function, and seizures. 1103 80

Spasticity is usually a useful substitute for deficiency of motor strength. However not infrequently, it may become harmful leading to an aggravation of motor disability. When excessive spasticity is not sufficiently controlled by physical therapy and pharmacological treatment, patients can have recourse to neurosurgery: neurostimulation, intrathecal baclofen or selective ablative procedures. Because excessive hypertonia has to be reduced without suppression of the useful muscular tone or impairment in the residual motor and sensory functions, neuroablative procedures must be as selective as possible. These selective lesions can be performed at the level of peripheral nerves, spinal roots, spinal cord, or the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ lesions).
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PMID:Neurosurgery for spasticity. 1127 61

Severely brain-injured patients often suffer from disabilities and psycho-social handicaps. Early rehabilitation aims at improving their motor and functional recovery while preventing or treating complications as soon as possible. In this review we look at some issues encountered in early rehabilitation. We illustrate our discussion with data from 876 French traumatic brain injury patients admitted over the course of 1 year at 18 rehabilitation units that were asked for details of their current practice. Preservation of vital functions follows standardized protocols, but rehabilitation is more controversial. Few controlled trials are available. Good agreement exists among clinicians about prevention of orthopedic complications and treatment for spasticity. However, little consensus exists concerning treatment of non-pyramidal hypertonia and spasms or about procedures that can be undertaken to improve arousal from a coma or vegetative state. Finally, we look at other specific issues of early rehabilitation, namely prediction of outcome, psychological difficulties of patients and their families, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
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PMID:Early rehabilitation after severe brain injury: a French perspective. 1148 56

This article reviews various physical modalities that have been used in spastic hypertonia, particularly superficial heat and cold, diathermies (ultrasound, microwave, and short-wave irradiation), electrical stimulation (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), implanted spinal stimulation (rectal stimulation), and massage (deep friction, superficial contact). The duration of the effects of most physical therapies is relatively short (e.g., cooling, heating, and massage), which often may limit their application to immediate prestretch or pre-exercise periods. The potential capacity of ultrasound therapy to improve the efficacy of chronic stretch in lengthening muscle may be a promising option. The neurodestructive potential of high intensity microwave for the personnel involved and controlled evidence of its value is required before this modality can be recommended in spasticity. Overall, controlled, double-blind studies are mandated to evaluate the long-term impact of repeated use of these short-term modalities on function and recovery in patients with spasticity.
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PMID:Physical modalities other than stretch in spastic hypertonia. 1172 65

There is a range of interventions available in the management of spastic hypertonia among patients with central nervous system injury. Many of these treatment options can be used concurrently with great effectiveness. Although manifestations of spastic hypertonia vary from patient to patient, they usually are not limited to one site. Nevertheless, problematic spastic muscle overactivity may be localized to one or more specific extremities, and these may be referred to as examples of focal dysfunctional spasticity. Botulinum neurotoxin (BTX) intramuscular chemodenervation procedures are an important therapeutic technique in focal spasticity management. Magnitude and duration of response varies with successful selection and localization of targeted muscles, spasticity severity, BTX dosage, and chosen functional goals. In focal dysfunctional spasticity and related motor disorders, BTX injections have demonstrated efficacy and safety when performed by clinicians familiar with the agent, regional anatomy, the specific condition, and patient being treated.
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PMID:Botulinum neurotoxin intramuscular chemodenervation. Role in the management of spastic hypertonia and related motor disorders. 1172 67

This appendix reviews the most commonly used clinical methods for assessing the clinical treatment of spastic hypertonia. The definitions and rating scales shown often are accepted by the Food and Drug Administration for pharmaceutical and investigational trials to obtain a clinical indication for use in spasticity clinic.
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PMID:Spastic hypertonia. Appendix. 1172 72


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