DIAZEPAM EFFECT ON REFLEX ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH COMPLETE SPINAL LESIONS AND IN THOSE WITH OTHER CAUSES OF SPASTICITY

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 58  (4) , 148-153
Abstract
The effects of diazepam on reflex pathways in patients with complete spinal lesions and in those with incomplete lesions of the spinal cord or multiple sclerosis were compared to determine whether diazepam has an action at spinal level. The drug produced no significant alteration in the excitability of the monosynaptic arc in the patients with complete spinal lesions. In contrast, in the group with incomplete spinal lesions or multiple sclerosis, diazepam reduced the excitability of the monosynaptic arc. This action did not appear to result from a reduction in fusimotor drive. Diazepam also reduced the tonic vibration reflex in this group. These effects may be due to a supraspinal action of the drug.

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