Term
What is Chronic Spasticity?
Possible symptoms |
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Definition
Increase muscle tone, usually resulting from brain or spinal cord injury
Possible symptoms: impaired feeding, dressing, bower/bladder function, reduction in joint movement, significant PAIN, skin breakdown |
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Term
| When should chronic spasticity NOT be treated? Why? |
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Definition
| DO NOT treat unless it interferes with function or results in pain, as it can unmask limb weakness, and worsen ambulation |
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Term
| Treatment for chronic spasticity |
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Definition
First line: Baclofen or Tizanidine
Second line: Baclofen + Tizanidine
Third line: Switch to Gabapentin
Fourth line, or earlier if spasticity is of cerebral origin: Botinum toxin or phenol injection, or intrathecal baclofen |
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Term
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Definition
| Sedation, weakness, lowered seizure threshold |
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Term
| Side effects of Tizanidine |
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Definition
| Dry mouth, sedation, hallucinations, hepatotoxicity |
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Term
What can be used to treat spasms at night?
Why limit them to at night? |
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Definition
BDZs eg clonazepam or diazepam
Limit to night time due to sedative effect |
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