Chapter 6 - Spasticity Flashcards
Define Spasticity. 5 Marks ππ EXAM
- A motor disorder
- Characterized by velocity-dependent increase in the tonic stretch reflexes (muscle tone)
- Exaggerated phasic stretch reflexes (tendon jerks, clonus)
- Resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex
- It is a component of the UMN syndrome.
Lance in 1980
Define rigidity, list the types.ππ EXAM
Rigidity
Resistance to passive movement that is not velocity dependent
Types
- Lead pipe
- Waxy
- Pastic
- Cog-wheel
Co-contraction. Why patient develop co-contractions in stroke? π
For i.e. Knee Extension
Voluntary muscles are excited (quadriceps) while antagonist (hamstrings) are inhibited.
But after stroke, during voluntary agonist effort, abnormal antagonist contraction occurs.
Motor units are not appropriately recruited during recovery, yielding the simultaneous co- contraction of agonist and antagonist muscles.
Stroke Rehabilitation Clinician Handbook 2020 Model 4 pg49
List 5 Major causes of spasticity
Just asking about UMN syndromes:
- Stroke
- Cerebral palsy (CP)
- Anoxic brain injury (Acquired brain injury)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS).
List 6 Triggers of spasticity. ππ
Scenario: SCI/Stroke patient c/o exaggerated spasticity in legs after he came from home
- Drug withdrawal (baclofen or ITB failure)
- Poor positioning (Improper wheelchair or seating)
- Skin: Pressure ulcer, Ingrown toenail, Tight clothing
- Bowel & Bladder Dysfunction: UTI, Constipation
- Female: Pregnancy, Postpartum, Period
- Emotion: Anxiety & mental stress
- Medical Illness: Worsening underlying condition (stroke, ms ..etc)
- MSK: Fracture or Heterotopic Ossification
- SCI: Syringomyelia
- Others: Deep vein thrombosis, Generalized infection
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6788672/pdf/0650697.pdf
List 4 Benefits of Spasticity ππ
- Assist in ambulation, standing, or transfers (hypertonic lower limbs)
- Maintaining muscle bulk due to muscular contraction
- Preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by providing improved venous flow secondary to muscle contractions
- Preventing osteoporosis
- Decrease of pressure ulcer formation over bony prominences
- Diagnostic tool as spasticity can be a sign of exposure to a noxious stimuli
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 12 Spasticity pg856
List 6 Complications of Spasticity ππ
- Interferes with function
- Can cause extreme discomfort/pain
- Interferes with hygiene and nursing care
- Contractures and disfiguremen
- Increased risk for development of decubitus ulcers
- May cause bone fractures; once present, malunion may occur due to forces
- Joint subluxation/dislocation
- Increased risk of heterotopic ossification (HO)
- Acquired peripheral/entrapment neuropathy
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 12 Spasticity
60-year-old male patient with h/o CVA (left hemiparesis) 3 weeks ago
Clinically, the left lower limb tone is increased with increase in ankle and knee tendon reflex (+3) with flexor synergy.
What is the Brunnstrom stage of the left lower limb? ππ
Stage 2
Spasticity appears, and weak basic flexor and extensor synergies are present.
PM&R, Board Review, Chapter- Stroke, page 26
Modified Ashworth Scale ππ
Brunnstrom stages of motor recovery ππ EXAM
1- Flaccidity (immediately after the onset)
No βvoluntaryβ movements on the affected side can be initiated.
2- Spasticity appears
Basic synergy patterns appear
Minimal voluntary movements may be present.
3- Spasticity is prominent
Voluntary control with synergies.
4- Decrease in spasticity
Voluntary control outside the flexor and extensor synergies.
5- Further decrease in spasticity
Selective muscle activation independently from synergies.
6- Disappearance or minimal spasticity
Isolated movements are performed in a smooth, phasic, well-coordinated manner.
Braddom 5th ed Chapter 23 Spasticity
Cuccurollo 4th Edition Chapter 1 Stroke pg28
DeLisa 5th Edition Chapter 23 Stroke Rehabilitation pg565 Table 23.9
Three features found in spastic hemiplegic limb π Dr. Salem
π‘ From itβs name spastic-hemiplegia
1- Muscle overactivity (Hypertonia)
2- Contracture
Shortening of soft tissue and limiting joint ROM. Starts after 6hr immobilization, 2 days later fiber type 2 starts rearrangement.
3- Paresis
Reduced motor recruitment
List 3 types of muscle overactivity seen in spastic hemiparesis π Dr. Salem
- Spasticity
- Spastic dystonia
- Spastic co-contraction
What are the benefits or goals for treatment of spasticity? ππ Dr. Salem
TECHNICAL
- Reduce tone and spasm
- Improve alignment (Cosmoses)
- Increase ROM to improve seating
FUNCTIONAL
- Improve ADLs (Dressing, Transfer)
- Improve hygiene and nursing care
- Reduce pain
- Improve gait and reduce falls
PREVENTIVE
- Prevent contracture
- Prevent skin ulcer
Ref: txtbook, rehab of people with TBI.
Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Spasticity in SCI π
π‘ Active exercise interventions such as hydrotherapy, FES-assisted cycling and walking and robot-assisted exercise may produce short-term reductions in spasticity.
- Passive Movement or Stretching (i.e. Prolonged Standing)
- Electrical passive pedaling systems
- Robot-Assisted Movement [Level 1b]
- Functional Electrical Stimulation [Level 4] β short term only
- Tilt Table Standing [Level 4]
- Body Weight Support Treadmill Training [Level 4]
- Segway device for dynamic standing [Level 4]
- Hydrotherapy [Level 4] β not more effective than conventional rehabilitation alone
- Taping [Level 1b] β short-term effects of decreasing spasticity
- TENS [Level1a] β may last for up to 24 hours
- Massage [Level 4] β effect lasting no longer than a few minutes, good for warmup
- Cryotherapy [Level 4] β reduce muscle spasticity for up to 1 hour
- Extracorporal Shock Wave Therapy [Level 4] β need 3+ sessions
- Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation [Level 1a] β short-term effect
https://scireproject.com/wp-content/uploads/spasticity-following-a-SCI-version-6.0.compressed.pdf
To simplify physiotherapy plan of thoughts
- PT: Stretch, Tilting Table, Massage
- Modalities: Hydrotherapy, FES, Heat & Cold, Taping, TENS
- Orthosis: Orthosis & Serial Casting
- Equipments/Devices: Cycling, Robotic, Treadmill, rTMS
List 2 modalities shows to be beneficial in spasticity management in stroke patient. ππ
- Transcutaneous electrical stimulation
- Cold/hot therapy
Stroke Rehabilitation Clinician Handbook 2020 Model 3 pg52
What are absolute contra-indications to serial casting? ππ Dr. Maitha
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR SERIAL CASTING
- Cognitive issues β aphasia, unable to report pain
- Any skin issues (infection, open wounds)
- Insensate skin (hemiparesis)
- Heterotopic ossification
- Osteoporosis
- Unable to follow up with patient 2 weeks
- Fractures
- Patient refusal or does not consent
METHOD
- Botox (botulinum toxin)
- Cast after 7 days
- Follow up every 2 weeks, re-cast
- Passive stretching, then cast at end range
Dr. Maitha Spasticity Clinic
List 2 Indications and 2 contraindications for casting in spasticity management.ππ
Indications
- Decreased range of motion
- Position of the extremity impairs activities of daily living
- Prevention of contractures
- Normalization of muscle tone & spasticity reduction
Contraindication
- Heterotopic ossification (HO)
- Impaired sensory perception
- Cognitive dysfunction (risk of compartment syndrome)
ERABI Module 6 pg25
List 8 approaches in treatment of spasticity ππ (OSCE, Teaching, Lecture by Dr. Maitha)
Mention 4 drugs (different classes) treating spasticity and what is the maximum dose per day.ππ EXAM
EDUCATION
- Noxious stimuli avoidance: infection, pain, DVT, HO, pressure ulcers, urinary retention or stones, ingrown toenails.
- Proper positioning, daily skin inspection, adequate bladder/bowel programs
NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL
- Physiotherapy: Range-of-motion exercises, and/or stretching
- Occupational therapy: Proper positioning
- Modalities: Cold (ice packing) and heat modalities for short term 60-min relief
- Orthosis: Tone reducing orthosis, Serial Casting
SYSTEMIC - ORAL MEDICATIONS
1- Baclofen
GABA-B agonist, starting 5mg three times daily up to 80-100mg/day
S/E fatigue and drowsiness
2- Tizanidine (Sirdalud)
Ξ±2-adrenergic agonist
12-14 mg up to 36mg
S/E hypotension, contraindicated in peripheral vascular disease
3- Clonidine (Catapres)
Ξ±2-adrenergic agonist, 0.02 mg/day
Increased to an optimal level (0.05-0.25 mg/day).
S/E hypotension, contraindicated in peripheral vascular disease
4- Dantrolene (Dantrium)
Peripheral inhibition of Ca+ release
100-200 mg up to 300mg
Liver toxicity, muscle weakness
5- Benzodiazepines
GABA-A agonist
10 mg PO q6-8hr PRN
S/E Sedating and impaired memory & recovery
FOCAL - INJECTABLE MEDICATIONS
1- Intrahtecal Baclofen (ITB) Pump
100mcg/daily up to 1000mcg/daily max dose
Used in paraplegic SCI
2- Botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A): BOTOX & Dysport
Seven main types of botulinum toxin are named types A to G
A, B, C1, C2, D, E , F and G, each has its own dose and effect
SURGICAL
- Tendon release
- Tendon lengthening
- Tendon transfer
Stroke Rehabilitation Clinician Handbook 2020 Model 3 pg52
https://scireproject.com/wp-content/uploads/spasticity-following-a-SCI-version-6.0.compressed.pdf