Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord is the bundle of nerve tissue that runs down the spine and carries signals between the brain and the body. Damage to it can reduce or remove function below the injured point. Loss of function may be partial, or complete paralysis below the level of the damage.
Medicine used to treat Spinal Cord Injury
Key points
- Trauma or disease that damages the cord interrupts the messages passing between the brain and the body.
- Spasticity is among the most disruptive effects of spinal cord injury.
- Baclofen is well established for spasticity caused by spinal cord injury.
Causes and patterns
Damage follows trauma in some cases and disease in others. Which functions are affected depends on where the injury is and how complete it is.
Spasticity after injury
Spasticity is involuntary tightening and stiffness of muscles, with spasms that come on their own. It can affect sleep, movement and everyday care.
Treatment
Baclofen acts on the spinal cord to reduce abnormal muscle tone, and it is well established for spasticity related to injury. It is a tablet in 10 mg and 25 mg strengths (Baclofen), also used for muscle spasticity and in multiple sclerosis. Broader pain management usually combines physical measures with medicines chosen for the injury level and symptoms. Tablets are shipped to Malaysia in discreet packaging by pharmacy partners in India.
When to seek medical help
A sudden worsening of spasms, a spike in blood pressure alongside headache and sweating (autonomic dysreflexia), or new loss of function needs urgent medical assessment.
Further reading
Last updated