Definition
Tetraspacification is a type of paralysis of all four extremities – i.e. the arms and legs. It is characterized by a strong tension of the muscles, which often causes the body to tense up in unnatural postures. It often results from a flaccid paralysis and can also affect the trunk and neck or head muscles.
Associated symptoms
There are typical accompanying symptoms that are associated with tetra spasticity. These include sensory disturbances such as a reduced sensation of temperature and pain and numbness of the affected body regions. In addition, the reflexes are impaired.
They are usually much more pronounced, have widened reflex zones so that, for example, the patellar tendon reflex can be triggered as soon as the tibia is tapped, and there are often pathological reflexes in this context, such as the so-called Babinski reflex, which should only be triggered in infants. Likewise, inexhaustible twitching of certain parts of the body can occur (clonus). If the throat and tongue muscles are affected, speech disorders are also common. If the damage is so severe that the spinal cord segment C4 is affected, it can lead to severe paralysis of the diaphragm, which would result in respiratory arrest.
Therapy
The treatment of tetra spasticity usually consists of the treatment of the underlying disease. However, since most of these diseases are not (yet) curable, tetraspacification is usually not curable either. Intensive physiotherapy is important for the affected patients in order to avoid or reduce consequential damage from the postural disorders.
In the case of severe spasms, drug treatments can also be used. In this case, muscle relaxants can be considered, which take the tension out of the muscles. The nerve toxin Botox is also often used for this purpose, as it can achieve considerable success over a period of time.
Those affected should be aware, however, that these forms of therapy serve solely to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life; they do not fight the cause and are therefore not a cure. Physiotherapy is a central component of tetra spasticity therapy. It not only prevents consequential damage such as poor posture, muscle shortening or athrosis, but can also positively influence nerve-muscle communication.
A good physiotherapy that is individually tailored to the problem can at least partially restore mobility and often helps to relieve pain. The treatment usually consists of therapy schemes according to Vojta or Bobath combined with procedures such as heat therapy or similar as well as a targeted movement and stretching of the muscles. Therapy plans must always be tailored to the problem at hand in order to achieve maximum success.
Occupational therapy can be an appropriate therapeutic tool for patients with tetraparesis. Here, the focus is especially on being able to reintegrate the patient into a “normal” life as quickly as possible. By means of various concepts, not only the musculature and posture, but also the perception, psyche and communication skills are strengthened.
This makes it easier for patients to cope with their illness and at the same time reduces symptoms and side effects. Botulinum toxin, better known in the vernacular as “Botox”, is a nerve toxin which originally comes from bacteria (Clostridium botulinum). This highly effective substance affects the transmission of signals from the nerves to the muscles and thus unfolds its toxic effect.
Among other things, it is used in very low doses in spasm therapy and can therefore be used as a medication. The tension of the muscles decreases and the spasm subsides. Botox is injected into the affected muscles and develops its effect after a few days. This can be accompanied by an impressive improvement of the symptoms for up to 6 months. It should be noted, however, that over time the body becomes resistant to Botox, so that its use is not unlimited.