After a stroke a typical picture often occurs,- the so-called hemiparesis, a half-side paralysis. This is due to the fact that, as a result of the stroke, regions in the brain no longer function adequately, which are responsible for the arbitrary motor activity of our body. The right side of the brain is supplied by the left hemisphere.
After a stroke, therefore, a flaccid paralysis of the arm and/or leg on one side often occurs first. There are other centers in the brain that regulate muscle tension and motor function. If these regulatory centers are also impaired, a condition known as spasticity develops over time, i.e. a permanent tension of certain muscle groups (hypertension), which pulls the arm or leg into a certain position. Spasticity is not only very uncomfortable for the patient because of the loss of function, it can also cause severe pain.
Therapy
In the acute phase following a stroke, the first step is to try to correct it in order to prevent possible subsequent symptoms as far as possible. Lysis therapy is a suitable method for this, in which a possible blood clot in the brain is dissolved by certain drugs. This is a risky therapy that must always be intensively monitored on an inpatient basis.
There are further possibilities to treat an acute stroke. However, if symptoms persist, a different therapy becomes necessary. To treat spasticity, intensive physiotherapy is recommended.
This should begin as early as possible to stimulate the brain and promote the healing of any reversibly damaged regions. In physiotherapy, different strategies are followed: Occupational therapists are also involved in training functional everyday movements and fine coordination. Besides functional exercise therapy, drug therapy is also used.
Spasmolytics are the name given to drugs that are intended to reduce pathologically increased muscle tone. To this belong orally taken preparations like: The drugs inhibit the transmission of neuronal excitation at the synapses of the motor system and thus prevent the build-up of spasticity. Some preparations are also said to have an analgesic effect.
- Tonus regulation instead of
- Joints are mobilized
- Functional movements and compensation strategies are developed
- Baclofen (tolperisone, dantrolene and clonazepam)
- Botulinum toxin A (Botox) is also administered intramuscularly for spasticity treatment
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