Evaluation of cervical stimulation for chronic treatment of spasticity.
Electrical stimulation of the spinal cord (SCS) to reduce spasticity was evaluated in seven patients who, along with their physicians, perceived significant and prompt benefit from stimulation. In two 24-hour test periods, on or off stimulation, we used two independent methods of evaluation: quantitative measures of joint compliance and stretch reflexes, and a standardized neurologic examination. Neither method did better than chance in determining whether SCS was actually being received. Problems with the experimental protocol are discussed, but the results cannot be interpreted as supporting the efficacy of SCS as a treatment for spasticity.
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004576:Electromyography; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000503:physiopathology; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D012107:Research Design; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000502:physiology*