Pharmacology Test 3: CNS Drugs and Spinal Cord Injury Management

Upper motor neuron damage leads to

Spastic paralysis and hyperreflexia*

Lower motor neuron damage results in

Flaccidity of muscles and muscle atrophy*

Manifestations of spinal cord injuries

dependent on level of injury

symptoms of complete SCI are irreversible with loss of function

Incomplete SCI symptoms vary with severity

Carisoprodol use

Central acting

painful musculoskeletal conditions

unknown action 

Baclofen

Centrally acting

relief of spasticity with MS, flexor spasms, muscle rigidity

unknown action 

Dantrolene

Peripherally acting***

control upper motor spasticity r/t SCI, CVA, cerebral palsy, MS

Prevent and treat malignant hyperthermia

Dantrolene action

Interferes with the release of calcium in the sarcoplasmic reticulum to relax skeletal muscle

Drugs Used to Treat Muscle Spasms and Spasticity adverse effects

CNS depression

BB warning for dantrolene : Liver impairment

CNS depression, drowsy, weak, dizzy FALL RISK

Drugs Used to Treat Muscle Spasms and Spasticity contraindications

Epilepsy

Pregnant

Drugs Used to Treat Muscle Spasms and Spasticity nursing implications

Use in caution with other CNS depressants

Fall risks, use caution changing position

Drugs Used to Treat Muscle Spasms and Spasticity pt educations

Avoid other CNS depressants (and alcohol)

Use caution with getting up

Quadri

feel nothing below the neck

para

arm can can move but not legs

Changes in ANS

temp regulation / bowel / bladder / hypotension