Medical Management of Spasticity Flashcards

1
Q

What disorders are typically associated with spasticity?

A

CP, TBI, CVA, SCI, Neurodegenerative disorders, myelodysplasia (spina bifida)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is spasticity?

A

Disorder of muscle tone characterized by velocity dependent increase in resistance of a limb at rest to externally imposed joint motion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Give the proposed theory for why spasticity occurs.

A

It may be due to lack of descending inhibitory input to alpha motor neuron (neuron always excited)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Why would spasticity be considered helpful to children?

A

holds child up, good for standing pivot, muscle being activated so muscle mass increases and skin breakdown, swelling, and blood clots are decreased

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Spasticity is harmful because of what?

A

Impairs typical volitional function, increased risk of contracture, increased metabolic requirements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Give the 4 oral medications for decreasing spasticity?

A

Baclofen (#1)
Dantrolene
Tizanidine
Benzodiazepenes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the purpose of oral medications and what are some common side effects of the medications?

A

Achieves generalized decrease in muscle tone (not just one muscle)

Side Effects
Sedation, confusion, dizziness, decreased cognition, increased incontinence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the two types of injections and where are they inserted?

A

Botulinum Toxin goes straight to the muscles

Phenol Injections of benzyl alcohol go perineurally

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Botox is a protein that produces what kind of outcome?

A

Binds to neuromuscular junction inhibiting acetylcholine release which results in an inhibition of muscle contractions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Why would Botox wear off and how long does that process take?

A

It wears off because the neuromuscular junction remodels. This process takes about 3-6 months

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Why does Botox not completely inhibit the muscle it is injected in to?

A

The muscles are so large that it will not cover all the muscle fibers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the best time to start treating a patient who has had recent bots injections?

A

10-14 days: This is the peak time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Why would a therapist recommend a patient look into Botox for treatment of spasticity?

A

Decreases spasticity and painful spasms; decrease post-sx pain; Improve UE function; improve ambulation; facilitate bracing, positioning, and therapy; commonly used in conjunction with serial casting

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the cytotoxic effect of phenol neurolysis?

A

Demyelination and Wallerian degeneration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Give the advantages and disadvantages of phenol neurolysis.

A

Advantages: Lasts 9-15 months, cheaper, immediate effect

Disadvantages: Cooperative patient or conscoius sedation (painful), technically difficult to localize motor nerve, time consuming

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are some of the risks associated with phenol neurolysis?

A

Decreased sensation, vascular and skin side effects

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

An Intrathecal baclofen pump is placed where?

A

The pump and catheter are placed in the body, intrathecally at the specific level of the spine based on the child’s spasticity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How are patients chosen to get a intrathecal baclofen pump?

A

Over 2 years old, usually over 25 lbs, spastic quad/di/hemi/tri- plegic, non-ambulatory or ambulatory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Give some reasons that patients may choose oral baclofen over an intrathecal baclofen pump.

A
  1. Low blood brain barrier with high systemic absorption and low CNS absorption
  2. Lack of preferential spinal cord distribution
  3. Some pts with unacceptable side effects
  4. 60 mg dose
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Why would a patient choose an ITB pump over oral baclofen?

A
  1. Delivered directly to CSF
  2. Potential for fewer systemic side effects
  3. Greater results
  4. Lower doses (600 mcg the most per day)
21
Q

Name the three portions of the ITB pump.

A
  1. Pump: gives meds at programmable rate
  2. Catheter: delivers medicine to intrathecal space
  3. Programmer: Allows for dosing
22
Q

What are some of the issues that can be found with ITB pump?

A

Trial bolus of baclofen inntrthecally, refill every 3-6 months, dosing takes weeks or months

23
Q

What risks are associated with ITB pump implantation?

A

Side Effects: Hypotonia, HA, dizziness, constipation
Overdose: respiratory depression, reversible coma, LOC, due to pump malfunction and catheter breakage or poor programming
Infection due to surgery

24
Q

What does a selective dorsal rhizotomy do to the nerve?

A

Splices dorsal nerve afferent rootlets

25
Q

An SDR causes what to happen?

A

Interrupts afferent pathway to decrease the ‘noise’ to efferent nerves therefore decreasing spasticity and increasing wanted movements

26
Q

Patient are selected based on these criteria:

A

1) At least 4 years old (6-7 normal)
2) Must be ambulatory without contribution of spasticity
3) Committed involved family

27
Q

Give the pros and cons for an SDR.

A

Pros: no implanted pumps inside body, clinically proven to decrease spasticity

Cons: Permanent, may have decreased sensation, 8-12 weeks in rehab hospital and 1 year in outpatient therapy

28
Q

What are the differences in an SDR and an ITB

A
  1. SDR improves LE function more than ITB (both increase though)
  2. Less orthopedic procedures in children with SDR
  3. SDR permanent and ITB replaced every 5 years
  4. with SDR child must be ambulatory
  5. ITB can be younger patients
29
Q

What similarities do SDR and ITB have?

A
  1. Pt and parent satisfaction = for both
  2. Both require intensive and lengthy PT after procedure
  3. Both result in improved function and decreased impairment, better UE function
30
Q

How is PT involved after surgery with SDR and ITB?

A

Baseline before and after

Strengthening: Trunk- foundation for all extremities to move, LE-proximal stability first; hip and knee extension

31
Q

T/F Most skeletal deformities are present at birth

A

False: most are NOT

32
Q

Deformities still occur in children in spite of?

A

Early and aggressive management

33
Q

Muscles will grow in response to what outside factor?

A

Stretching

34
Q

What will muscle imbalance mean for the child?

A

Contractures and lever arm dysfunction

35
Q

What may delay or eliminate the need for orthopedic surgeries for milder cases?

A

Early intervention and anti-spasticity meds or surgeries

36
Q

At what age would an orthopedist consider a surgery?

A

At least 5 years old

37
Q

There are 6 common orthopedic surgeries due to spasticity. Name them

A

1) Lengthening procedures (tenotomy)
2) Muscle Transfers
3) Correction of Lever Arm Dysfunction
4) Joint Reconstruction
5) Osteotomies
6) Scoliosis Correction

38
Q

What is a tenotomy and what 3 types of surgeries are associated with lengthening procedures?

A

Muscle or tendon lengthening by surgically cutting fascia, muscle fibers, and tendons

1) Tendo- Achilles Lengthening: Decreased DF or increased PF, have short BK cast
2) Medial HS: HS shortening, decreased popliteal angle , crouched, or posterior pelvic tilt, will have long leg cast
3) ADD lengthening: Scissor gait, have a hip spica after

39
Q

What are the two types of Muscle transfers?

A

Rectus Femoris Transfer (RFT) and Split Anterior Tibialis Transfer (SPLAT)

40
Q

What is involved with a RFT?

A

Transfer rectus (only) posteriorly connecting to semitendinosus
Increases knee flexion during gait
Indications: stiff knee, toe drag, or tripping, positive prone knee bend test

41
Q

Describe why a SPLAT is necessary and what it helps.

A

Split AT in two; keep original attachment, other part to peroneals
Increases eversion strength to keep foot in neutral
Indications: Inverted gait; WB on lateral edge of foot in PF

42
Q

Describe the surgery associated with correction of lever arm dysfunction.

A

Patellar Tendon Advancement: Patellar tendon reattached distal to tibial tuberosity
Increases function of quad to extend knee
Indications: Patella alta

43
Q

A joint reconstruction is indicated because of? What does it help?

A

Acetabuloplasty
Increase curvature of acetabulum to increase convergence of femur in joint
Indications: frequent hip subluxes/dislocations

44
Q

What is a varus derotational osteotomy?

A

Derotation of femur to decrease excessive ante version
This will decrease angle of inclination to normal
Indications: Intoeing; decreased angle of inclination; hip subluxation; frequently in conjunction with acetabuloplasty

45
Q

How would a valgus osteotomy be helpful?

A

Increases angle of inclination such that the femoral head does not sit in the acetabulum

Indications: non-ambulatory child with hip pain due to impingement

46
Q

What are the treatments and indications for a scoliosis correcting surgery?

A

Indications: greater than 40 degrees curvature (Cobb method); decreased UE function, respiratory function, noncompliance with bracing
Harrington Braces are rods implanted into spine
Current treatment helps with rotation and can have a telescoping rods that grow with the patient.

47
Q

What other surgeries are common to have with a SPLAT?

A

Gastroc, medial HS and ADD lengthening

Tibial Osteotomy

48
Q

Give the time frame and prescription for PT during these recovery times.

A

0-3 weeks: PROM, CPM; osteotomies- immobilizers and NWB transfers
3-6 weeks: out of immobilizers, PWB->FWB, AROM and PROM, strengthening
6-12 weeks: Increase strength and stretch, increase endurance
After 12 weeks: Gait training and stander, etc