Practice patterns for spasticity management with phenol neurolysis

Paraplegia after intercostal neurolysis with phenol

In patients with advanced stages of cancer, severe pain is commonly encountered and is very difficult to treat. It affects the quality of life of the patient and the families involved. Pain can be managed using analgesics and adjuvant therapy. However, studies have shown that at least 10%-15% of patients fail to control pain adequately and will experience severe pain. We discuss the case of a 6...

Optimal Management for People with Severe Spasticity

Clinical Understanding of Spasticity: Implications for Practice

Spasticity is a poorly understood phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to understand the effect of spasticity on daily life and identify bedside strategies that enhance patient's function and improve comfort. Spasticity and clonus result from an upper motor neuron lesion that disinhibits the tendon stretch reflex; however, they are differentiated in the fact that spasticity results in a velocit...

A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Phenol Blocks to Peripheral Nerves in Reducing Spasticity in Patients with Paraplegia and Brain Injury

Primary objective: To evaluate effectiveness of phenol blocks of peripheral nerves in reducing spasticity brain injured and spinal cord injured patients. Secondary objectives: To measure the change in the range of motion after phenol blocks to peripheral nerves, to identify the electrophysiological changes and to study the cost effectiveness and side effects of phenol blocks. Study design: Desc...

Transversus abdominis plane neurolysis with phenol in abdominal wall cancer pain palliation.

Pain is commonly perceived by patients during cancer and its treatment. Although most patients respond to conservative management implemented according to the World Health Organization guidelines, a subset of patients with advanced disease develop intractable pain that may require additional interventions such as regional blocks and intrathecal therapy. Patients with terminal abdominal or pelvi...