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Stroke patients benefit from new spasticity treatment AKRON, OH--Stroke patients commonly have a condition called spasticity, in which tight, stiff muscles make coordinated movement--especially of the arms and legs--difficult or uncontrollable. An advanced treatment utilized by physicians at Neurology & Neuroscience Associates, Inc. (NNA) offers a significant reduction in this condition, allowing patients to function better and improve their quality of life. The treatment, known as intrathecal baclofen therapy, utilizes a small programmable pump that is surgically placed under the skin of the abdomen. The pump dispenses small, precisely controlled doses of a muscle relaxant through a catheter directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. NNA Neurologist Jose C. Rafecas, M.D. has been utilizing the procedure with stroke patients since 1998, assisted by Mary Ann Jones, M.S.N., C.R.N.P. "Head injuries and multiple sclerosis are the two most common applications of this therapy, but so far intrathecal baclofen therapy has been underutilized in stroke patients," he said. "The procedure also is used in cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries, to a lesser degree." NNA is the only physician practice in the Akron area that is using this procedure to treat stroke spasticity in adults. Other NNA physicians experienced in the procedure are Robert A. Lada, M.D.; Zachary R. Lewton, M.D.; and Amir C. Mazhari, M.D. "Intrathecal baclofen therapy is just one part of our overall commitment to furthering stroke care in the community," Dr. Rafecas said. "It is a full circle of care from pre-stroke prevention to acute care in the hospital, and then long-term treatment to optimize function with the stroke patient, and preventing the next stroke." Stroke will strike approximately 750,000 Americans this year alone, of which more than 500,000 people will survive, according to Dr. Lada, who heads the Stroke Prevention Center at NNA. Dr. Lada estimates the number of stroke survivors in the U.S. to be around 5.4 million-and rising along with life expectancy. "The number of stroke survivors will continue to grow as baby boomers reach retirement age, which is why stroke rehabilitation has never been more important," he said. "It's also important that stroke survivors are educated to become aware of their rehabilitation options." Dr. Lada in 2006 was honored by the American Heart Association with its prestigious Stroke Champion Award for his outstanding dedication to the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of stroke. Dr. Lada also is medical director of NNA's TIA Clinic, which offers immediate specialized care for patients who have suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and serves as Director of Cerebrovascular Medicine and the Stroke Unit at Akron City Hospital. Intrathecal drug delivery requires a small fraction of the dose that would be required with pills-1/100th of the dose that would be required orally-because the drug is delivered directly into the spinal fluid. This minimizes uncomfortable side effects, such as sleepiness, constipation, upset stomach or vomiting, while improving muscle tone, functional independence and quality of life. A number of steps must be taken before determining whether the stroke patient is a candidate for this new spasticity treatment. Those steps include a full evaluation by an NNA physical therapist and diagnostic testing by an NNA neurologist to see if the patient responds to baclofen injection. Once the spasticity is reduced, the patient can benefit from physical and occupational therapy in an inpatient rehabilitation environment, which is a boon to patients who previously could not take advantage of rehab due to excessive muscle tone. Intrathecal drug therapy is a proven treatment and is covered in the U.S. by Medicare and most health insurance and other providers. NNA accepts referrals from primary-care, family-practice and other physicians who have patients that suffer from stroke spasticity. For more information, contact NNA at 330-376-1902 or visit its Web site www.nnadoc.com. NNA provides compassionate care and quality service in the comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of neurological conditions. Its team of physicians, nurse practitioners and technicians utilize the latest technologies and most advanced medical therapies at eight outpatient offices located in Akron, Brunswick, Green, Hudson, Medina, Massillon, Ravenna and West Akron, Ohio. |