Abstracts by keywords: general medicine
According to estimates, around 260,000 people in Germany are affected by a stroke every year [1]. Numerous underlying diseases can result in the spastic syndrome (SMD; synonymous use: spastic movement disorder, spasticity, spasticity). The manifestation of the spastic syndrome is possible at different times in the course of the respective underlying disease [2,3]. In addition to multiple sclerosis, a craniocerebral trauma, a spinal cord lesion or cerebral palsy, stroke is one of the most common and causative underlying diseases [4]. Stroke survivors have almost a 50% chance of developing spasticity one to three months later [5,6]. Spastic movement disorders are damage to the central nervous system and the central nervous sensorimotor cell and pathway systems (“spastic movement disorder”, SMD). The disease is characterized by a massive limitation of joint mobility and therefore overall mobility, as well as involuntary activation of muscles [7]. In Germany, 250,000 people are probably affected and suffer from the disease and the associated reductions in quality of life [8].
21.09.2022
Spastic movement disorder (short: SB; synonymous use: spasticity, spasticity) is the name given to the increased health-dependent muscle tension resulting from damage to the central sensorimotor system as well as uncontrolled cloni, spasms and spastic dystonias [1]. The most common cause of SB is a stroke, but multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord lesion or cerebral palsy can also cause so-called spastic paralysis [2]. It is assumed that around 250,000 patients in Germany are affected [3]. Depending on the underlying disease, SB can manifest itself at very different times in the course of the disease [4, 5]. Between 20 and 40% of patients develop SB within the first year after the stroke [3, 6-8]. In patients with multiple sclerosis, approximately half of the patients are affected by SB during the course of their disease [9-11]. It is not uncommon for SB to cause nursing restrictions or dependencies in carrying out activities of daily living and pain, which is accompanied by a significant reduction in the patient's quality of life [12, 13]. If adequate therapy is provided too late or insufficiently, complications such as pain, contractures, skin lesions up to pressure ulcers and significant impairment of activities of daily living can result. To avoid this, it is therefore advisable to initiate management of SB as early as possible, when the first relevant symptoms appear [14].
04.04.2019
Spastic movement disorder (SB) occurs as a result of damage to the central nervous system. Accordingly, SB is a symptom of numerous underlying diseases, including stroke, multiple sclerosis and infantile cerebral palsy [1, 2]. A current extrapolation from data from the Leipzig forums suggests that around 530,000 patients are affected by SB that requires treatment. A lack of care or inadequate care can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected. In addition to sometimes severe impairments in everyday life, contractures, ulcerations and pain can occur as accompanying illnesses. This often results in a higher need for care or a higher level of care classification [2, 3]. SB cannot be cured, but its severity and comorbidities can be reduced. Suitable therapeutic procedures are described in the specialist literature and the corresponding guidelines [4-8]. However, it can be assumed that the reality of care in Germany shows a different picture. A survey should therefore clarify what the treatment of those affected is like [9]. A total of 109 general practitioners from Germany were surveyed by post about their patient clientele with SB and their care. Since the treatment decision of the respective doctor should not be interfered with, a non-interventional, retrospective study design was chosen. The questionnaire sent out included a total of 26 questions on general information about the patient clientele, non-invasive and drug therapy and collaboration with other specialist disciplines. On average, each GP provides care to approximately 24 patients with SB.