MS-relation spasms: Roots and treatment methods
In the management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a common symptom that requires attention is spasticity. This condition, characterised by muscle stiffness and involuntary spasms, can impact the quality of life for those living with MS [1].
To better understand and improve the effectiveness of treatments, doctors use the MSSS-88 scale, a tool that captures a person's experience of spasticity and its impact on their life [2]. This scale has eight subsections, including three for spasticity-specific symptoms, three for physical functioning, and two for psychosocial impact [2].
Physical therapy plays a significant role in managing spasticity. Therapists work with individuals to create an exercise plan that includes gentle stretching routines, proper positioning during activities, range of motion exercises, and muscle relaxation techniques [1][3]. These methods help reduce muscle stiffness and improve comfort daily.
Physical therapy also often integrates gait training, balance exercises, and strengthening routines tailored to individual needs, which further help manage spasticity and improve mobility and independence [2][3]. Using mobility aids with proper training provided by therapists can prevent injuries and support safer movement when spasticity limits function [1].
Pharmacological treatments are also used, although some symptoms may be resistant to current medications. A variety of medications may be prescribed to reduce spasticity, with examples including baclofen, diazepam, clonazepam, dantrolene sodium, gabapentin, levetiracetam, and onabotulinumtoxinA [3]. New drugs, such as BMS-986368, are currently under study for improved management of spasticity in MS [4].
In addition to physical therapy and medications targeting muscle tone, treatment of related symptoms — such as bladder dysfunction caused by spasticity — may include medications like Botox and anticholinergics [5].
In severe cases, a doctor may recommend MS surgery, such as rhizotomy, to relieve symptoms [1]. This procedure involves cutting away a section of the nerve, and, in the case of rhizotomy, is often used to alleviate facial pain.
Spasticity in MS occurs due to damage to the myelin covering nerves that control movement [6]. This damage, caused by the autoimmune disease, results in the tightening of muscles (flexor spasticity) or the straightening of limbs (extensor spasticity) [1].
Spasticity can cause a range of issues, from pain and reduced range of motion to difficulty relaxing muscles, clonus (repetitive movements), increased deep tendon reflexes, and back pain [3]. However, with the right approach, which combines physical therapy, medications, and surgery where necessary, individuals with MS can manage their spasticity and improve their quality of life.
References: [1] National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (2021). Spasticity. Retrieved from https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Physical-Symptoms/Spasticity [2] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Multiple Sclerosis: Hope Through Research. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Multiple-Sclerosis-MS [3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Spasticity. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/in-depth/spasticity/art-20045450 [4] Multiple Sclerosis International Federation. (2021). BMS-986368. Retrieved from https://www.msif.org/research/pipeline/bms-986368/ [5] National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (2021). Bladder Dysfunction. Retrieved from https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Physical-Symptoms/Bladder-Dysfunction [6] National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (2021). What is MS? Retrieved from https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/What-is-MS
- The management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) encompasses a variety of medical-conditions, including neurological-disorders like spasticity, which requires attention due to its impact on health-and-wellness and quality of life.
- In the scientific study of MS, researchers often focus on neurology, specifically understanding the damage to the myelin covering nerves that causes spasticity, a condition characterized by muscle stiffness and involuntary spasms.
- To manage spasticity, a combination of approaches may be used, such as physical therapy, pharmacological treatments, and in severe cases, surgery like MS surgery (rhizotomy).
- The treatment of related symptoms, such as bladder dysfunction caused by spasticity, may involve medications like Botox and anticholinergics.
- With the ongoing progress in science and mental health, new treatments for MS and its associated symptoms, such as BMS-986368, are under study to offer improved management and quality of life for those living with multiple sclerosis.
