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UK Charity No 1131517
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UK Charity
No 1131517
Multiple Sclerosis
It is important to remember that MS is only one part of a person and not the person.
MS does not represent them, it is not their identity, they are as normal as the next person.
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Spasms
Sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle, a group of muscles, or a hollow organ, or a similarly sudden contraction of an orifice. It is sometimes accompanied by a sudden burst of pain. Spasmodic muscle contraction may also be due to a large number of medical conditions that can make arms, legs or body move in different ways. Also known as paroxysmal symptoms, they can be very disturbing.
Most MS spasms arise in either the:
- Arms.
- Legs.
- Throat muscles -
less common.
Leg and arm spasms may be worsened by bladder and bowel problems and infections.
Management
Exercise
Leg and arm spasms benefit significantly from physiotherapy and regular stretching.
Medication
- Baclofen.
- Gabapentin.
- Tizanidine -
NICE Guideline states that the following should only be given if treatment with baclofen or gabapentin is unsuccessful or side effects are unmanageable: - Diazepam -
can be used on its own or in combination with other drugs. It can be taken prior to sleep if spasms are particularly troublesome at night. - In more severe cases either / or may be considered:
- Botulinum toxin.
- Intrathecal baclofen therapy.
Side effects can include drowsiness and dizziness.
Dantrolene is the only antispasmodic drug that works directly on the muscles rather than on the central nervous system. It can be used in combination with other drugs.
Often it is not well tolerated and may cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea.
- Weakness.
Regular blood tests are required to ensure no adverse effect on liver function is occurring.
Spasms of the throat muscles can cause problems with:
- Speech -
a sudden fit of slurring, for example. - Swallowing -
often seen as sudden coughing and choking.
Treatment may require a speech and language therapist.
