Chapter 4.1

Question 1

1. State the primary goal of all muscle relaxants.

Answer 1

selective decrease in skeletal muscle excitability

Question 2

2. Define and distinguish muscle spasms from muscle spasticity

Answer 2

spasms: injury usually to muscle or peripheral nerve that results in a constant contraction in muscle
Spasticity: CNS lesion, exaggerated stretch reflex

Question 3

3. State the mechanism of action of the following muscle relaxants: carisoprodol

Answer 3

carisoprodol: enhances GABA inhibition in brain causing more inhibition

Question 4

Cyclobenzaprine MOA

Answer 4

decreases serotonin activity in brainstem

Question 5

diazepam and valium MOA

Answer 5

increases GABA effects resulting in increased inhibition

Question 6

4. List the indications for the centrally-acting antispasm drugs in patients with muscle problems.

Answer 6

used commonly in back, neck spasms

Question 7

5. List the indications for the use of diazepam in patients with muscle problems

Answer 7

used in spasms and spasticity

Question 8

6. State the adverse effects of diazepam

Answer 8

SEDATION (know this) and a general reduction in psychomotor ability

Question 9

7. State the adverse effects of the centrally-acting antispasm drugs.

Answer 9

drowsiness and dizziness

Question 10

8. State the special considerations of a physical therapist working with patients who are using muscle relaxants

Answer 10

Muscle fatigue and sedation