Treatment patterns of in-patient spasticity medication use after traumatic spinal cord injury: a prospective cohort study

Holtz Kaila A, Szefer Elena, Noonan Vanessa K, Kwon Brian K, Mills Patricia B. Spinal Cord. 2018 Jun 14. doi: 10.1038/s41393-018-0165-0. [Epub ahead of print].

Summary: Muscle spasms are a major secondary complication of SCI, affecting 60-70% of injured individuals. Those with spasticity report difficulties with other complications following SCI like pain, bladder problems, sleep, and overall quality of life. There are several types of treatment used, but little high-quality information about their effectiveness. Our aim is to build on this information by tracking ‘real world’ treatment both in the hospital and what is prescribed as individuals return home. The study found that a third of individuals were prescribed in-patient and discharge treatment for spasticity. However, as spasticity develops over time, 70% were receiving treatment one year after injury. This information will help clinicians and researchers determine ‘real world’ treatment and develop new studies to optimize treatment for spasticity to help improve the lives of those affected