Multiple Sclerosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Multiple Sclerosis, including details on diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prognosis.

Multiple sclerosis and spasticity.

Haselkorn JK, Loomis S

VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA. jodie.haselkorn@med.va.gov

Spasticity is a common impairment in MS. It can result in significant medical complications and is associated with increased disability. Treatment strategies include skilled rehabilitation strategies, neuromuscular blocks, oral agents, intrathecal management, and surgery. Rehabilitation strategies are central, whereas other strategies are added based on the level of impairment and functional loss. Treatment strategies for spasticity management are far from optimal and are complicated in MS as a result of lesions in the brain and the spinal cord. Pharmaceutical management in MS is complicated by the numerous secondary impairments in MS and its associated polypharmacy.Head-to-head studies of the various agents are rare. The studies that exist are small and do not point to any one strategy over another. Although management is difficult, it is essential for the health, functional status, and well-being of the individual who has MS. Providers must use well-developed clinical skills to arrive at optimal individualized treatment programs and monitor them frequently. For spasticity that is unresponsive, referral to a MS Center with a spasticity program is ideal.

Published 16 May 2005 in Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am, 16(2): 467-81.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Multiple Sclerosis Research Today. All Rights Reserved.