Gait Disorder
PROBLEMS OF PARAPLEGIA
Spasticity is an uncontrollable muscle cramp in the arm or leg that can cause pain and interfere with normal movement. It is a typical reaction after lesions of the central nervous system, such as after a stroke. Nerve connections from the brain are missing in the spinal cord, the spinal cord becomes independent and activates the muscles without control impulses from the brain. Spasticity is usually accompanied by additional muscle weakness. Spasticity often recedes poorly or not at all. Spasticity in the legs is usually accompanied by a stiffened leg and a pointed foot.
Introduction
Treatment Options: spasticity after a stroke always requires medical and physiotherapeutic treatment. The patient should be able to regain lost abilities. The aim is for intact areas of the brain to take over the functions of the damaged areas. Ideally, this should be done through consistent exercise treatment. Above all, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists support the patient in making the greatest possible progress in rehabilitation. Various active ingredients are available for the medicinal treatment of spasticity. These drugs are used to reduce muscle tone and relieve the symptoms caused by spasticity. Some of these drugs act on the central nervous system (Nebenwirkungen(side effects: fatigue, nausea, concentration problems...), others the peripheral nervous system exclusively. Botulinum toxin injections in the spastic muscles are also a treatment option. This is a strong nerve toxin that is injected into the affected muscle in diluted form or in very low doses. This allows the muscle tone to be reduced for a period of three to six months (explosion of treatment costs!!!), whereby the transmission of stimuli into the affected muscle is reduced. The problem with this therapy is that it additionally weakens the muscles (gait disorder).
The information on this website does not replace a personal consultation with your doctor.
Always consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
SPASTICITY AND GAIT DISORDER AFTER STROKES
Spasticity is an uncontrollable muscle cramp in the arm or leg that can cause pain and interfere with normal movement. It is a typical reaction after lesions of the central nervous system, such as after a stroke. Nerve connections from the brain are missing in the spinal cord, the spinal cord becomes independent and activates the muscles without control impulses from the brain. Spasticity is usually accompanied by additional muscle weakness. Spasticity often recedes poorly or not at all. Spasticity in the legs is usually accompanied by a stiffened leg and a pointed foot.
Introduction
In Germany, 200,000 to 250,000 people suffer a stroke every year. One in five dies from the consequences. This makes stroke the third most frequent cause of death after cancer and heart disease. Many affected people are completely or partially paralyzed after a stroke. The extent, severity and effects of paralysis vary from person to person. Patients often suffer spasticity as a result of a stroke. Spasticity is an uncontrollable muscle tension in the extremities (arm or leg) that can cause pain and impair normal movement. In addition to increased muscle tone, spasticity often leads to a weakening of the muscles. Characteristic of leg-focused spasticity are a stiffening of the leg and a frequently inwardly turned toe position. This, combined with muscle weakness, leads to walking disorders in which the patient usually drags the leg.
Treatment Options
Spasticity after a stroke always requires medical and physiotherapeutic treatment. The patient should be able to regain lost abilities. The aim is for intact areas of the brain to take over the functions of the damaged areas. Ideally, this should be done through consistent exercise treatment. Above all physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists support the patient in achieving the greatest possible progress in rehabilitation. Various active substances are available for the medicinal treatment of spasticity. These drugs are used to reduce muscle tone and alleviate the symptoms caused by spasticity. Some of these drugs act on the central nervous systemNebenwirkungen(side effects: fatigue, nausea, concentration problems...), others the peripheral nervous system exclusively. Botulinum toxin injections in the spastic muscles are also a treatment option. This is a strong nerve toxin that is injected into the affected muscle in diluted form or in very low doses. This allows the muscle tone to be reduced for a period of three to six months (explosion of treatment costs!!!), whereby the transmission of stimuli into the affected muscle is reduced. The problem with this therapy is that it additionally weakens the muscles (gait disorder).