MOD 5 Management of Chronic Stroke Flashcards
(73 cards)
What is a spasm?
persistent increased tension and shortness in a muscle or group muscles that cannot be released voluntarily.
When are pharmacologic interventions indicated for chronic stroke?
- an individual has significant hypertonicity/spasticity that is causing pain, discomfort, or negative impact on quality of life
- nonpharmacologic interventions have not worked
- to prevent secondary complications
What is the PT’s role in spasticity and hypertonicity?
- assist in decision making
- distinguish if there are other contributions to patient presentation
- determine whether medical solutions need to be explored
- inform team about effectiveness and adverse effects
What are the three modes of delivery for spasticity treatment?
- oral
- injections (muscle or nerve)
- intrathecal
What is intrathecal mode of delivery?
delivered by pump with catheter threaded into intrathecal area of the spinal cord
What are the common oral medications for hypertonicity?
- baclofen
- tizanidine (gxanoflex)
What are the common injection medications for hypertonicity?
- bo-tox
- phenol
What is the common intrathecal medication for hypertonicity?
baclofen
What are the actions of oral medications for hypertonicity?
- decrease excitation of alpha motor neuron in spinal cord
- inhibits mono- and polysynaptic spinal reflexes
What are the less commonly used oral medications for hypertonicity?
- diazepam
- dantrolene
- gabapentin
what does diazepam do?
depressant of the cns
What does dantrolene do?
inhibit calcium release in skeletal muscle
What does gabapentin do?
decreases pain
What are the adverse effects of baclofen and tizanidine?
- sedation
- fatigue
- may limit neuroplasticity
What are the adverse effects of diazepam?
- sedation
- confusion
- risk of dependence
- may limit neurologic recovery
What are the adverse effects of dantrolene?
- muscle weakness
- sedation
- hepatotoxicity
What are the actions of bo-tox injection for hypertonicity?
- inhibits acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junction resulting in muscle weakness
- effects degrade after 3-4 months
What are the adverse effects of botox injections for hypertonicity?
- possible effect on other muscles
- immunoresistance may develop
- pain with injections
- caution if person is on anticoagulants
- may not improve function
What is the PT’s role when it comes to botox injections?
- assess whether desired effect occured
- provide stretching within 1-2 weeks of injection
- strengthen muscles
What are the actions of a phenol injection?
- injection near nerve which will cause chemical neurolysis and paralysis of muscles innervated by nerve
- decrease mechanical stress on joints
What are the adverse effects of phenol injections?
- lasts for 6 months so could have negative effect
- making it the last option
What are the advantages of intrafecal baclofen pump?
- may help with severe bilateral LE spasticity and hypertonicity
- may eliminate need for oral baclofen
What are the adverse effects of infrafecal baclofen pump?
- CSF leak and infection
- pump requires periodic refills by needle and possible recalibration
- pump or tubing may malfunction
- may not improve function
What is the FIM?
functional independence measure