Managing spasticity with drugs

Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2010 Sep;46(3):401-10.

Abstract

Spasticity is a common symptom observed after pyramidal system lesion. The treatment of spasticity has considerably changed during last years, notably with the generalization of Botulinum toxin use. However, the treatment of spasticity should consider all therapeutic possibility in accordance with patient status and objective. Drugs are only a part of the treatment and physical therapy must always be used. Others treatments such as surgery, orthosis, occupational therapy must also be discussed individually. Several guidelines are now available for Botulinum toxin treatment but only the French guidelines consider all drug therapies. This review addresses the different drugs commonly used on the basis of an extensive review of literature. Some facts are clearly established by randomized controlled trials but a certain number of questions remains unclear and only clinical experience and consensus can guide injectors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Baclofen / adverse effects
  • Baclofen / therapeutic use*
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / adverse effects
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use*
  • Clonidine / adverse effects
  • Clonidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Clonidine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Injections, Spinal
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central / adverse effects
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central / therapeutic use*
  • Muscle Spasticity / drug therapy*
  • Neuromuscular Agents / adverse effects
  • Neuromuscular Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Muscle Relaxants, Central
  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • tizanidine
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A
  • Baclofen
  • Clonidine