C H A P T E R 2 5
Muscle relaxants
395
CHAPTER SUMMARY
■■
Upper-level controls of muscle activity include the
pyramidal tract in the cerebellum, which regulates
coordination of intentional muscle movement, and
the extrapyramidal tract in the cerebellum and basal
ganglia, which coordinates crude movements related
to unconscious muscle activity.
■■
Damage to a muscle or anchoring skeletal structure
may result in the arrival of a flood of impulses to
the spinal cord. Such overstimulation may lead to a
muscle spasm or a state of increased contraction.
■■
Damage to motor neurons can cause muscle
spasticity, with a lack of coordination between
muscle groups and loss of coordinated activity,
including the ability to perform intentional tasks and
maintain posture, position and locomotion.
■■
Centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxants are used
to relieve the effects of muscle spasm. Dantrolene,
a direct-acting skeletal muscle relaxant, is used
to control spasticity and prevent malignant
hyperthermia.
■■
Botulinum toxin type A is used to improve the
appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines and
to treat cervical dystonia, severe primary axillary
hyperhidrosis, and strabismus and blepharospasm
associated with dystonia.
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ONLINE RESOURCES
An extensive range of additional resources to enhance teaching
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Learn videos, Concepts in Action animations, journal articles,
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WEB LINKS
Healthcare providers and students may want to consult
the following Internet sources:
Home page of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Information
on research and support services for people with
cerebral palsy.
Home page of Cerebral Palsy Australia. Information on
research and support services for people with cerebral
palsy.
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