Answer The Following Question: Choose A Medication That Trea
Answer The Following Questionchoose A Medication That Treats A Skelet
Answer the following question: Choose a medication that treats a skeletal muscle disorder. Describe how the medication alters the normal physiology of muscle tissue and what the medication is used for. Be sure to write your response in your own words. submission must be at least 300 words in length (not including references). Your submission must pass a Turnitin similarity check with less than 20% similarity in order to earn a grade. Turnitin allows 3 submissions within a 24 hour time period so you can check your similarity score. You must also reference your assignment per APA guidelines.
Paper For Above instruction
The medication I have chosen to discuss is Baclofen, which is commonly used to treat spasticity associated with various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy. Spasticity is characterized by increased muscle tone and exaggerated reflexes, resulting from disrupted communication between the brain and the muscles. Baclofen primarily acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to modulate muscle activity, calming excessive muscle contractions and reducing spasticity.
Baclofen's primary mechanism of action involves stimulating GABA_B receptors in the spinal cord. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. By activating GABA_B receptors, Baclofen enhances inhibitory neurotransmission, which decreases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters involved in reflex arcs that cause muscle spasms. This results in decreased muscle tone, improved movement, and reduced discomfort associated with spasticity. Unlike peripheral muscle relaxants, Baclofen acts centrally, allowing it to effectively target neurological pathways involved in abnormal muscle contractions.
In terms of altering muscle physiology, Baclofen’s activity decreases the hyperexcitability of motor neurons. This reduces the frequency and severity of muscle spasms, which can improve mobility and reduce pain for individuals with neurological disorders. By dampening excessive reflexes, Baclofen helps restore a more normal balance between excitation and inhibition in the spinal cord. Although it does not directly affect the muscle fibers themselves, the reduction in neuronal excitability translates into less involuntary muscle activity, promoting better muscle control.
Baclofen is commonly administered orally, but it can also be delivered via intrathecal pumps directly into the spinal fluid for more severe cases. Its use is primarily for managing spasticity, thereby improving function and quality of life for patients with neurologic conditions. However, it is important to monitor for side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or weakness, which result from its CNS depressant effects.
In summary, Baclofen alters the normal physiology of muscle tissue indirectly by affecting neuron activity within the spinal cord, decreasing excessive reflex activity that causes spasticity. Its effectiveness in managing muscle hypertonicity highlights its significance in neurological rehabilitation and patient care, offering considerable relief from the disruptive symptoms of spasticity.
References
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10. Miller, R. G., & Thompson, J. P. (2017). Neuropharmacology of muscle relaxants: Focus on baclofen. Journal of Neurochemistry, 139(2), 210-219.