Re: Severe Muscle Contractures

Posted By Shirley on July 07, 1997 at 23:26:46:

In Reply to: Re: Severe Muscle Contractures posted by CCF Neuro MD on July 06, 1997 at 21:45:18:







:
Hello, Shirley,
  Muscle contracture is a common long term complication of stroke.  It is usually the result of disruption of balance between extension and flexion muscles.  The management of this condition is quite difficult. the major drawback of muscle relaxants, as you already noted, is causing muscle weakness.  Physical therapy is the way to go.  Although as a neurologist, I do not know how to do the specific exercise program for your mother's muscle condition, I would like to refer you to the PT specialist at the PT/Rehab department at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.  Given your mother's medical history, in my opinion, she can benefit the most from a full evaluation from neurology, rehabilitation, and PT/OT.  At the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, we have one of the best stroke service in the country, led be Dr. Anthony Furlan.  In addition, there are several PT/Rehab specialists working very closely with us, who are specialized in post stroke rehab.  We will be happy to see you and your mother here soon.  Please call toll free [phone] or [phone] ext. 45559 for an appointment.
  This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your primary physician for the diagnosis and treatment of your specific medical condition.
Thank you very much for replying to my post. I will certainly take your suggestions under advisement and, in the meantime, continue the therapy exercises we've been doing already. I appreciate your input.