| < Back | CME Module 15: Lessons in Acute Pain Management - A Case Based Approach |
Q: Mr Young complains of intermittent spasms at the operative site. What would you recommend for treatment?
You answered Yes to A skeletal muscle relaxant (e.g. Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine)
Yes is the Correct answer
Here is the explanation
Spasms of amputation stumps, also known as myoclonic activity of the stump is not uncommon after a below knee amputation. This occurance is described as a “variant within the spectrum of movement disorders induced by injury to the peripheral nervous system” 15. A skeletal muscle relaxant such as Baclofen (5-20 mg TID PO up to max 20mg PO QID) or Cyclobenzaprine 5 mg PO TID (as effective as 10 mg po TID) could be considered. Cyclobenzaprine is structurally similar to tricyclic antidepressants and has a similar adverse event profile including central nervous system disorders and cardiac conduction abnormalities.| < Back |