This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Benzodiazepines in the treatment of spasticity

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • act via the facilitation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission at various supraspinal levels and in the spinal cord

  • there is evidence from small randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that diazepam reduced painful muscle spasms and led to a partial resolution of spasticity - however there was no improvement in muscle power (1,2)

  • the sedative effects of diazepam last for less time than the its antispasmodic effects - therefore diazepam (in the treatment of spasticity) is best administered as a single dose at night

Reference:

  • (1) Wilson LA, McKechnie AA (1966). Oral diazepam in the treatment of spasticity in paraplegia. A double-blind trial and subsequent impressions. Scott Med J, 11, 46-51.
  • (2) Corbett M, Frankel HL, Michaelis L (1972). A double-blind, cross-over trial of valium in the treatment of spasticity. Paraplegia, 10, 19-22.

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.