Spastic tetraparesis and dsp

What is tetraparesis: diagnosis and treatment

Tetraparez is a pathological disorder characterized by a decrease in the motor activity of the hands and feet. Long-term course of this pathology leads to a change in the state of the limbs, the emergence of contractures, muscle atrophy, severe pain or complete loss of motor functions.

The mechanism of the development of the disease, as a rule, is formed as a result of the defeat of the central and peripheral nervous system.

Tetraparesis occurs due to pathological processes in the trunk, hemispheres of the brain or in the cervical spine.

In a more acute form, it occurs with a spinal injury, after an internal cerebral hemorrhage, for example, after a stroke or with abnormal metabolic processes in the brain.

Due to damage to the upper cervical vertebrae in the acute period of the trauma, a limp paralysis of limbs occurs, a violation of the respiratory and pelvic functions. In the event of an injury in the cervical spine, death may occur, since vital body structures are violated.

Factors provoking paresis

Tetraparez should be classified into two groups:

• acquired- occurs as a result of spinal trauma, after cerebral hemorrhage, with malignant or benign formation, encephalitis, polyneuritis;
• congenital- occurs as a result of complications during pregnancy.

Violation of the central or peripheral nervous system, which leads to the development of this symptom, develops under the influence of such factors:

• Cerebral palsy;
• trauma of the cervical spine;
• polyneuropathy;
• the Landry-Guillain-Barre syndrome;
• Krabbe's disease;
• occlusion of cerebral arteries;
• myasthenia gravis;
• increased intracranial pressure;
• dropsy of the brain;
• complications of surgical intervention on the brain or spine.

Species of a symptom

Tetraparez happens:

1. Spastic. It manifests an increased muscle tone in the hands and feet, which leads to stiffness of movements. Such a mechanism can occur due to increased intracranial pressure, for example, in cerebral palsy or encephalopathy. As a consequence, depletion of the cerebral cortex may develop, which contributes to mental underdevelopment.
2. Central. Occurs when both hemispheres, brainstem or upper spinal cord are damaged.
3. Reflex. It is characterized by hypertonicity and hyperreflexia in the limbs when normal muscular force is present in them. Such a condition, as a rule, is accompanied by pathological reflexes.
4. Mixed. There is a different intensity of muscle tone in the hands and feet. In other words, hypotonicity and hypertonicity can occur simultaneously.
5. Sluggish. There is weakness and marked partial loss of sensitivity in the limbs.

Clinical picture

In cerebral palsy, which is most often accompanied by spastic tetraparesis, a cerebellum is damaged in the child.

As a consequence, the child can not hold the head, sit down, stand, and generally move without help.

Also, depending on the location of the brain lesion, a delay in mental development and a decrease in intelligence are detected.

Very often tetraparesis is accompanied by other diseases of a congenital nature - dropsy of the brain and underdevelopment of the skull's skeletal structure.

General signs of pathology include:

• marked reduction in motor function of the limbs;
• respiratory function disorder;
• change in the shape of the limbs;
• impaired pelvic function;
• spasticity in muscles;
• muscle pain;
• a complete loss of activity of the hands and feet after a while;
• irritation of the spinal part of the diaphragm, and as a result - hiccups, dyspnea, cough.

Spasticity - as a special form of a paresis

The most common form of this condition is spastic tetraparesis. It is characterized by a decrease in motor activity.

At the same time, there is an increase in muscle tone, and it is because of this that the stiffness and "disobedience" of the hands and feet, as well as severe pain, appear.

After a while spasticity leads to pathological changes in the joints, deformities of the limbs, and in some cases even the trunk.

Spastic tetraparesis is accompanied by other signs of damage to the nervous system. Violations of the intellect of different degrees are noted in almost 90% of all cases.

In addition to these symptoms there are signs of lesion of the cranial nerves, against which there are disorders of hearing, vision, strabismus. In rare cases, epileptic activity accompanied by attacks can be diagnosed.

The most difficult is spastic tetraparesis in the presence of double hemiplegia, a significant lesion of the upper limbs.

Such a syndrome can be accompanied by oligophrenia - a severe degree of debility, as well as imbecile and idiocy.

For spastic tetraparesis with double hemiplegia, the following characteristics are characteristic:

• impaired motor function of the hands and feet;
• asymmetry of muscle tone;
• delayed speech and mental development;
• severe damage to the musculature of the face and the muscular girdle of the upper half of the trunk.

In some cases, this type of disease can develop, such as triparez, i.e., one limb remains completely healthy and functions normally.

In cerebral palsy, spastic tetraparesis of two forms is diagnosed - lower paraparesis and tetraparesis in the greater half of the cases. The spastic syndrome develops against the background of destruction of extrapyramidal fibers in the brain.

Due to this, there is a sharp weakening of the braking control over the segmental apparatus of the spinal cord. This accompanies the activation of the pathological stretch reflex. It provokes an increase in muscle tone, because in response to stretching, the muscles begin to contract.

Diagnostics in a medical institution

Diagnostics includes methods of anamnesis collection, full medical examination, CT, MRI, ultrasound examination, X-ray, EMG.

Differentiate tetraparesis from these diseases:

Complex of therapeutic measures

Treatment tetraparesis should be comprehensive and conducted in a hospital. Apply conservative, neurosurgical, orthopedic methods and rehabilitation.

Therapy is conducted to achieve the following goals:

• reduction of spasticity;
• prevention of disruption of the musculoskeletal system;
• formation of the correct motor stereotype.

Conservative treatment, first of all, includes two main aspects:

1. Medication Therapy- prescription drugs, such as Baclofen and Botulotoxin, help to reduce the spastic effect, which increases impulse conductivity, and improve metabolic processes in the brain, while increasing the number of passive movements extremities.
2. Physiotherapy- is aimed at performing movements, exercises and postures that strengthen the muscles.

Also in the treatment complex include:

• reflexology;
• hirudotherapy;
• acupuncture;
• Exercise therapy;
• massage;
• gymnastics on special simulators;
• kinesitherapy.

Surgery

For more effective correction of spastic tetraparesis, surgical treatment is required. The operation is performed to restore the functions of a particular damaged zone.

Thanks to the orthopedic procedure, contractures are corrected and muscles are stretched out. Plasticity of muscles and tendons is also carried out. This corrective method brings very good results.

Rehabilitation period

Of great importance in the treatment of spastic tetraparesis, in particular in cerebral palsy, have rehabilitation activities, the task of which is to improve the child's physical condition and to adapt it as much as possible conditions of life. Rehabilitation includes the following methods:

1. Occupational therapy- develops motor skills and touch, regulates movements and orientation. Also, small motor skills develop separately. In occupational therapy, play methods, methods of physical contact, retention, copying are used.
2. Speech therapy exercises. The purpose of the classes is to develop the correct pronunciation. Special methods allow to eliminate the problem of non-verbal communication and disorder of the swallowing reflex. Also, thanks to these programs, coordination and hearing are improved, previously formed speech disorders are eliminated.
3. Aqua therapy. Helps to alleviate pain symptoms by relaxing the spastic parts, and to strengthen the muscles. Such treatment beneficially affects the emotional state of the child. The procedure is carried out by lowering the child into the water, by means of special seats. The water temperature should be approximately 35 degrees.
4. Hippotherapy. A very effective method in which a therapeutic tool is a horse. This procedure stimulates motor reflexes and increases activity. Sometimes therapy gives very good results when the child gradually learns to sit on the saddle and manage the horse.

Prognosis and complications

If the spastic syndrome is due to a head injury or stroke, treatment must begin instantly, in time to restore the functions of damaged nervous tissue and motor activity of the hands and feet.

In the absence of the necessary treatment, the deformity of the spine occurs in the elderly and the general physical condition deteriorates significantly.

Therapy in this case should be carried out during the first, - 2 months after the cerebral hemorrhage occurred.

If you miss the right time to start treatment, it will be much more difficult to restore a person's normal condition. Therapy and rehabilitation will take much longer. In addition, there is a risk that the patient may simply remain disabled.

If signs of mental retardation are not present, with properly selected and timely treatment can achieve a significant positive effect.

A source: http://neurodoc.ru/diagnostika/simptomy/tetraparez.html

Spastic tetraparesis (cerebral palsy) in children, tetraparesis treatment, mixed, central, flaccid, reflex tetraparesis, tetraparesis symptoms, how to treat tetraparesis

Paresis means a disease in which the motor function becomes impaired as a result of damage to the nervous system. Tetraparesis is a paresis of all four limbs. With this form of the disease, both hands and both legs do not function.

Tetraparez is dangerous because it often leads to a change in the shape of the limbs. One of the symptoms of tetraparesis is spasticity of the musculature, which almost always causes pain in the muscles. Full loss of limb activity is possible. Hands can take a dangling position.

Tetraparesis of extremities most often occurs as a result of disorders in the brainstem, in the cervical spine or hemispheres of the brain.

Tetraparesis can occur with damage to the central and peripheral nervous system.

The most acute it develops in the case of traumatic lesion of the cervical spine, after a hemorrhage into the brain, bruises or improper metabolism.

As a result of damage to the upper cervical segments in the acute period of the trauma, flaccid paralysis of the four limbs, respiratory distress, as well as disruption of pelvic functions develop.

Irritation of the spinal center of the diaphragm is accompanied by hiccups, dyspnea and cough. The wound at the level of the cervical spine often leads to a lethal outcome, as vital vital functions are violated.

Injury of the lower cervical spinal cord, which can result from a blow to the bottom during diving or during car accidents, can also lead to tetraparesis. The patient develops a flaccid paralysis of the arms and legs, which subsequently acquires a spastic character in his legs.

Tetraparez has a variety:

1. Mixed tetraparesis manifests itself in the form of muscular dystonia. There is a different muscle tone - somewhere elevated, somewhere lowered. The cause of mixed tetraparesis can serve as a birth trauma. Unfortunately, this occurs quite often and is well eliminated by regular massage and PFC courses, and usually does not threaten anything terrible in infancy.
2. Central tetraparesis can be a consequence of bilateral damage to the large hemispheres, damage to the trunk or upper part of the spinal cord.
3. Sluggish tetraparesis is characterized by weakness in the arms and legs. Motor disorders are usually accompanied by a sensitivity disorder.
4. Reflex tetraparesis is characterized by hyperreflexia in the upper and lower extremities, muscle hypertension, muscle strength preservation and the presence of pathological reflexes in the patient.
5. Spastic tetraparesis (increased muscle tone) is the stiffness of the muscles of the upper and lower extremities. This disease can be a consequence of hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure. Sometimes it can manifest itself in the form of a triapez, when one of the limbs practically does not suffer. In 80-90% of cases the intellect is broken.

The causes of tetraparesis in children are very diverse.

The disease can occur as a result of Krabbe's disease (a progressive disease of the central nervous system of a hereditary nature), Chiari anomalies (abnormal development during the intrauterine period of structures of the posterior cranial fossa, in some cases - trunk brain).

Spastic tetraparesis is one of the manifestations of infantile cerebral palsy (cerebral palsy). Cerebral palsy (tetraparesis) is often combined with small anomalies of development, which indicates an intrauterine brain injury.

In the second-third year of life, the symptoms of cerebellar lesions appear in children diagnosed with "cerebral palsy - spastic tetraparesis children can not keep their head, sit, stand, walk. There is a delay in mental development.

The degree of intellectual decline directly depends on the localization of brain damage.

Treatment of spastic tetraparesis requires a comprehensive approach, which includes the use of conservative therapy, rehabilitation, orthopedic and neurosurgical treatment. The task of treatment is aimed at reducing spasticity, correcting disorders of the musculoskeletal system and forming the right motor stereotype.

Treating tetraparesis is quite complicated. This includes medicinal treatment, physiotherapy, reflexotherapy, hirudotherapy, exercise therapy, massage, therapeutic gymnastics.

Whatever tetraparesis is - a consequence of a trauma or a complication of some other disease - this is a very serious disease that can end in a fatal outcome.

Patients with tetraparesis are urgently hospitalized in neurological departments, and with the development of respiratory and other severe phenomena - in intensive care.

If tetraparesis is not treated for a long period, deformations occur in the spine, which are not only irreversible, but also can significantly worsen the patient's condition.

For example, in patients after cerebral hemorrhage, the best result of cure is achieved in the first six to twelve weeks after hemorrhage. And if this moment is missed, then in the future the recovery process will be very slow and difficult. In the event that the treatment of a patient is postponed for a year, it is almost impossible to put him on his feet.

If the child has found out this disease, it is necessary to help him to adapt to life. The diagnosis in its set of symptoms is individual for everyone. Much depends on the characteristics of the body. The future of any person depends on his personal qualities: perseverance, optimism and faith in himself.

A source: http://www.sbornet.ru/dict/tetraparez

Tetraparez, treatment of spastic symptoms in children with cerebral palsy

Tetraparez - a violation of the central and peripheral nervous system, associated with a decrease in motor activity of the lower and upper extremities. Appears both in childhood and in older age.

Causes

The disease is associated with pathologies of various parts of the nervous system. First of all, the cause is traumatization of the spine, spinal cord roots in the cervical region.

Paralysis or paresis of the hands and feet develops, it is possible to violate or suppress the respiratory act, failures in the work of organs located in the pelvic bones.

Possible disruption of the structure of the vertebrae of the lower part of the neck, for example, in case of accidents, improper diving into the water upside down.

In childhood it has an innate character, is formed at the stage of neural tube formation in the fetus. Sometimes occurs in childbirth.

In this case, structural and functional disorders of the cerebellum, damage to the myelin sheath of nerve fibers (Krabbe's disease, Chiari anomaly) can be traced.

In cerebral palsy, tetraparesis appears as a manifestation of pathology.

In the development of the disease, the damage to the medulla oblongata, motor nuclei, pathology of the cerebral cortex, hydrocephalus may play a role.

In some cases, it is a complication of an incorrectly performed surgical operation on the vertebral column or brain.

Classification

Tetraparez is divided into the main five groups:

1. Sluggish. Has the easiest current. Slightly disturbed sensitivity and mobility of the upper and lower extremities.
2. Reflex. Muscle strength is preserved, but the tone is increased. Appear pathological reactions to external stimuli. At inspection at the patient amplification of segmental reflexes is marked or celebrated.
3. Central. The consequence of a violation of the blood supply of the central nervous system. The brain, the upper parts of the spinal cord, is affected.
4. Spastic. The tone of the muscles of the arms and legs is sharply increased. The cause is infantile cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure. Nerve endings gradually atrophy, there is a lag in mental and mental development.
5. Mixed. The development factor is birth trauma. Muscle tone is simultaneously elevated and lowered in different parts of the body.

Spastic tetraparesis

The most common pathology in children. Cerebral Palsy and spastic tetraparesis are two diseases that are closely related to each other. Pathology - a consequence of birth trauma and congenital anomalies of intrauterine development.

Perhaps the development of oligophrenia with debility. Muscle tone is asymmetric in nature, the muscles of the back, thorax, and facial muscles are additionally affected.

In connection with the developmental disorders of the cerebellum, the child is unable to keep his head on his own, to sit, walk and balance properly.

Severe problems in the psychic sphere are observed when the cerebral cortex, in particular the frontal lobe, is affected.

Symptoms

A common clinical picture for all types of disease is a decrease in the functions of the muscles of both the lower and both upper limbs. Hands and feet change in shape, deform, lag behind in development, the brushes hang down and do not move.

Sometimes there are hyperkinesis - involuntary movements that do not depend on the patient's consciousness. At a severe degree, respiration is inhibited, the urinary system, the kidneys and the bladder, and the reproductive system are disrupted.

In connection with the violation of the metabolism in the nervous tissue, the child has problems with mental processes, memory, logic, mindfulness is decreasing. The patient is not able to move independently, eat and perform basic actions.

Diagnostics

Tetraparez can be put in the process of collecting an anamnesis of the disease and a general examination of a person. The neurologist examines the reflexes, determines the muscle tone and strength of the limbs.

The specialist should determine the cause of the pathology and ask the patient about possible injuries or bruises head or spine, about similar problems with the next of kin (parents, brothers, sisters).

At mums it is necessary to specify about a current of pregnancy, about how were delivery.

Possible connection with poisoning with salts of heavy metals, the use of drugs in the wrong dose and a long period of time.

From the instrumental modern methods of diagnosis, computer and magnetic resonance tomography will be appropriate for visualization of the brain and spinal column.

Myelography is a study using a radiopaque substance. It is introduced into the liquor-conducting pathways and the outflow of fluid is studied. In the pictures in full detail you can see the nerve endings and myelin sheaths.

Electromyography allows to determine the bioelectric potential of muscles, their reduction and relaxation by means of electrodes and computer recording of signals.

Treatment

Tetraparez is amenable to therapy quite hard and long. The treatment is complex, includes the use of medicines, therapeutic physical training, physiotherapy, massage and so on.

To improve metabolism in tissues, the introduction of cytoflavin, cytochrome C, which independently affect the energy metabolism in cells.

The processes of oxidation of nutrients accelerates "Piracetam "Mexidol "Cerebrolysin".

Physiotherapy is used to restore the impaired functions of the central nervous system. The procedures are sedative, psycho-relaxing.

The greatest effect is given by electrosleep, electrophoresis with tranquilizers, baths with a high nitrogen content, audiovisual and vibromassage relaxation.

To improve metabolic processes, it is possible to use darsonvalization, diadynamic currents, low-frequency magnetotherapy.

To restore movement, exercise can be performed both in the air and in water, which is more recommended.

In the water, the load on the musculoskeletal system decreases, the muscle fibers relax.

The limbs are placed more obedient, an adequate sensitivity to external stimuli is developed. With each patient, the coach must work individually.

To socialize a child, it is important to attend a speech therapist, which will help to eliminate problems in speech, coordinate a swallowing reflex.

Complications and prognosis

In the absence of proper diagnosis and treatment in combination with concomitant diseases, the patient's condition deteriorates sharply.

In the elderly, deformation of the spine and deterioration of the physical condition. The disease leads to disability of the person, it occupies a more often reclining position, which is aggravated by the development of pressure sores.

In the case when congenital tetraparesis develops, intellectual capacity decreases and adaptation in society is disturbed.

The prognosis is more often unfavorable, it is almost impossible to completely get rid of pathology.

Prevention

The main methods of prevention are:

1. Observance of all rules of behavior during pregnancy;
2. Elimination of situations with possible birth trauma;
3. Full nutrition with a high content of essential microelements and vitamins, especially group B;
4. Rejection of bad habits;
5. Timely appeal to the doctor and treatment of injuries and diseases;
6. Maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, adequate mode of work and rest;
7. Blood pressure monitoring.

A source: http://NashiNervy.ru/perifericheskaya-nervnaya-sistema/strashnyj-diagnoz-tetraparez.html

Spastic tetraparesis

In the case of a further increase in muscle tone, stiffening of the muscles of the arms and legs, intracranial pressure and the development of hydrocephalus, the tetraparesis of the flaccid form in the child becomes spastic. Often it leads to a violation of intelligence. In some cases, the disease can acquire the form of a triparticum, without disturbing the motor function of one limb.

Causes

Spastic tetraparesis can occur due to:

• acute circulatory disorders in the brain (cerebral and spinal strokes);
• trauma of the skull and brain - head and spinal;
• neurodegenerative diseases (multiple sclerosis);
• congenital diseases: hydrocephalus and microcephaly with disruption of the cerebellum;
• hereditary disease of the central nervous system - Krabbe;
• inadequate fetal development of fossa structures behind the skull, spinal cord - Chiari anomalies;
• a sharp increase in intracranial pressure;
• the consequences after the neurosurgical intervention;
• Cerebral palsy. Spastic syndrome in cerebral palsy can be combined with a small abnormal development in intrauterine brain damage.

Forms of the disease and their symptoms

Spastic tetraparesis is divided into paraparesis, tetraparesis and hemiparesis.

In the presence of cerebral palsy and spastic tetraparesis, the cerebellum is affected, the psychic development stops and the intellect falls. Children at the same time can not keep their heads, sit, stand and walk, in the future - to serve themselves.

The most difficult is spastic tetraparesis in the presence of double hemiplegia - a significant lesion of the upper extremities. The syndrome is accompanied by oligophrenia - severe debility, imbecile or idiocy.

Symptoms of double hemiplegia are characteristic:

• violation of movement not only in the hands, but also in the legs;
• asymmetric muscle tone;
• pronounced delay in speech and development of the psyche due to severe damage to the hands, muscles of the face and the muscular girdle in the upper half of the trunk.

In cerebral palsy, a diagnosis is made of spastic tetraparesis of two forms - lower paraparesis and tetraparesis in 60% of all cases. Spastic syndrome develops in connection with the damage to the brain of extrapyramidal fibers.

Due to this, the braking control over the segmental apparatus of the spinal cord is greatly weakened. This leads to the activation of the pathological stretch reflex.

It causes an increased muscle tone, because in response to stretching, the muscles begin to contract.

Treatment for cerebral palsy

To confirm the diagnosis, the child is examined closer to the age of 12 months in a neurologist, orthopedist, ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist (check the hearing) and examine the clinical data and MRI.

Treatment is aimed at reducing spasticity in cerebral palsy, correction of violations of motor activity of the musculoskeletal system, formation of a normal motor stereotype.

The complex treatment includes conservative therapy, neurosurgical and orthopedic treatment and rehabilitation.

In parallel, the treatment is connected with physiotherapy, reflexology, massage procedures and physiotherapy exercises.

Spastic syndrome should be treated immediately, for example, after a stroke or injury, in time to restore the functions of damaged nervous tissue and motor activity of the hands and feet. Parents, in cases of cerebral palsy and spastic tetraparesis in a child, should follow all the recommendations of specialists for teaching children motor skills and speech skills.

To help parents, the industry produces toys, suits, devices to facilitate the development of children's reflexes, which help them develop in cerebral palsy. To reduce muscle tone, the treatment is carried out with drugs:

• to reduce muscle tone (eg, Baclofen);
• to interrupt the flow of nerve impulses that cause permanent contraction (eg, Botulinum toxin).

Drug therapy for cerebral palsy is prescribed for relief of certain symptoms, for example, with epileptic seizures or orthopedic surgery.

With spastic forms of cerebral palsy, the consequences of brain trauma and accompanying neurological conditions apply cell therapy based on the use of autologous (own) or umbilical cord blood cells donor.

Surgical intervention

For more effective correction of spastic tetraparesis, surgical treatment is used. The operation on the nervous system is performed to restore the function of a certain damaged area.

Orthopedic corrective interventions correct contractures, stretch muscles, perform tendon and muscle-tendon plastic surgery.

Life in children with this disease after the operational adjustment becomes more qualitative.

Rehabilitation manipulations

A major role in the treatment of spastic tetraparesis in cerebral palsy is played by rehabilitation activities aimed at improving the condition of children and their adaptation in the surrounding world.

Rehabilitation is carried out:

• occupational therapy;
• exercises on the development of speech and language;
• special physiotherapy;
• Snouzelen (therapy);
• clinical psychology;
• physiotherapy in water;
• hydro art- and music therapy;
• hippotherapy (riding a horse);
• special individual orthopedic devices and simulators.

Basic methods of rehabilitation

Occupational therapy

Children develop motor skills and tactility, regulate movement and orientation, using games, physical contact, exercise, retention, copying and many other techniques. Separately develop fine motor skills.

Exercises in speech and language development

Here they use the logopedia to work out the correct pronunciation and contact with the surrounding world.

Special methods are solved by problems associated with non-verbal communication and swallowing disorder.

Improve coordination and hearing, reduce paralysis of muscles, gradually exclude aphasia - speech disturbance, previously formed.

Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy

Physiotherapy is directed to the implementation of movements, exercises, postures that strengthen weak and relaxing spasms, to develop sensory skills.

When hydrotherapy combines the benefits of water and exercise - physiotherapy and rehabilitation for elimination of pain, strengthening of muscles, relaxation of spastic sites, emotional impact on the patient child.

It becomes more independent and confident in water, the temperature of which reaches 33-35 ° C.

A coach works with each child, using chairs to lower the child into water and other adaptations depending on the goals and tasks set.

Therapy is Snouzelen (Snoezelen)

The technique of snuzelen is used to create a balance between relaxation and activity. The child is in a room where he is affected by various effects: light, color, sound, tactile and olfactory.

Effects include in the game process at the same time with a variety of actions and movements, which helps without stress to develop new sensations, skills and reflexes.

A source: http://spina-bolit.ru/drugie-zabolevaniya/spasticheskij-tetraparez.html

Causes and treatment of spastic tetraparesis

Tetraparesis (tetra-four, paresis - weakening, weakness) is called pathology, which is characterized by impaired motor activity of the limbs.

The prolonged course of the disease leads to changes in the state of the hands and feet, development of contractures, muscle atrophy, pain syndrome and loss of motor function.

Severe affection of the central (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS), which is the result of deviations in the work of the brain or cervical spinal cord, is called spastic tetraparesis.

Tetraparez and its variants

Paresis is a disease that reduces the activity of limb movements as a result of nerve damage. Tetraparez is a disease that affects all limbs. The disease is dangerous because it leads to deformation of the bones and tissues of the hands and feet.

One of the symptoms of the disease is spasticity of the tissues, which causes pain syndrome. It is not excluded loss of motor activity, and hands take a hanging position.

Often pathology develops as a result of abnormalities in the functioning of the brainstem, the cervical spine, or in the cerebral hemispheres.

Also, tetraparesis can occur if the CNS and PNS are damaged.

If the upper spine is damaged in the acute phase, paresis of all limbs, disruption of the respiratory system, as well as pelvic organs begins. If the spinal center of the diaphragm is disturbed, cough, hiccough and shortness of breath appear.

Cervical lesions lead to death, because there are deviations in the work of important organs. In the event that a person survives, after a while tetraparesis becomes spastic.

Injuries to the lower part of the neck, which are due to an impact on the bottom of the reservoir during diving or as a result of an accident, can also provoke the development of tetraparesis.

The man begins paresis of the extremities, passing into a spastic tetraparesis.

Types of the disease

In medicine, there are several varieties of tetraparesis:

• Mixed tetraparesis is characterized by muscular dystonia. The patient may have different muscle tone (in some tissues he is elevated, in others - is lowered), which causes pain syndrome. The cause of this type of disease is birth trauma. This form of the disease is common, but therapeutic massage and compliance with the recommendations of a specialist make it possible to eliminate the disease.
• Central tetraparesis is a consequence of bilateral damage to the cerebral hemispheres, damage to the upper part or trunk of the spinal cord.
• Sluggish tetraparesis is characterized by a weakening of the functioning of the limbs, and disturbances in motor activity are accompanied by a decrease in sensitivity.
• The peculiarity of reflex tetraparesis consists in the hyperreflexion of the arms and legs, the hypertension of the muscles, the preservation of strength and the presence of reflex pathology in the patient.
• Spastic tetraparesis - stiffness of arms and legs. This form of disease can arise as a result of hydrocephalus and high pressure inside the skull. Sometimes, patients may experience tripartism - a form of spastic tetraparesis, in which only three limbs are affected. In addition, in most cases of spastic tetraparesis, intellect disorders occur.

Features of spastic tetraparesis

Spastic tetraparesis is the most common form of pathology.

There are several types of disease, which directly depend on the characteristics of the lesion.

In this case, the disease is characterized by an increase in muscle tone and stiffness in the limbs, in other words, it is very difficult for a person to move arms and legs.

Some patients may experience tripartism, in which one of the extremities (both the arm and leg) remains unaffected.

It should also be noted that with a complete tetraparesis, there are deviations in mental abilities.

But in the case when the disease is acquired, there is no violation of intelligence.

Children's tetraparesis is diagnosed along with other congenital pathologies. The most complex form of pathology is double hemiplegia, in which diseases of the hands and feet are combined with symptoms of immobility, debility and idiocy.

In this case, the upper limbs suffer. The muscles of the hands almost do not develop, thus the facial muscles and the muscle tissue of the trunk are affected.

Signs of the disease can be determined from the first days of the child's life. This is explained by the fact that tetraparesis is often combined with other diseases, such as microcephaly or hydrocephalus.

In the first years of life, the babies show abnormalities in the functioning of the cerebellum.

In addition, the delay in mental development is well seen, but the depth of the deviation directly depends on where the foci of brain damage are located.

As a rule, the most severe deviations in development occur when the frontal lobe is affected. It is also necessary to note that spastic tetraparesis is a sign of the development of cerebral palsy (cerebral palsy).

Adult illness most often affects after damage to the cervical spine. After getting injured, pain syndrome appears, tetraparesis of limbs and other abnormalities in the work of organs and systems begin to develop.

In this case, the patient must immediately be hospitalized in the department of neurosurgery.

With this treatment, tetraparesis can be delayed, but not always classical and alternative medicine produce results, in most cases the patient is forever disabled.

Causes of the disease

The causes of the disease are:

• trauma of the brain and spinal cord, as well as the bones of the skull;
• disorders of blood flow (for example, after a stroke);
• multiple sclerosis;
• defeat of the central nervous system (Krabbe disease);
• disturbed functioning of the cerebellum;
• irregularly formed fossa on the back of the skull;
• complications after a neurosurgical operation;
• abrupt changes in intracranial pressure;
• dsp.

Clinical manifestations

Most often, the symptoms of the disease are clearly expressed. Children with this pathology suffer from abnormalities in development. It was also noted that babies can not keep their heads themselves, and with age they have problems with motor activity.

In the future, a person with such a disease can not lead a normal life or perform simple movements (serve himself), as a result, he is given the status of an invalid. In the most complex forms, patients experience idiocy, all degrees of oligophrenia and imbecility.

Treatment and massage

To confirm the diagnosis, experts recommend that all doctors, including an ophthalmologist, an ENT, an orthopedist and so on, should be examined. Also it does not hurt to do CT and MRI.

Treatment of the disease is primarily aimed at reducing spasticity, correcting motor activity and restoring the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. To tetrakarezu apply both classical methods of treatment, and nonconventional (massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture, etc.).

Treatment of the disease is required to begin as soon as possible, because the earlier treatment of pathology, the more likely to achieve results. In the fight against the disease showed its effectiveness and massage. Perform it should only a specialist.

It should be noted that it is important not only to use all possible methods of treatment, but also to teach speech, if given the opportunity.

For this it is required to consult a speech therapist.

A child with such a disease should always be under the supervision of an adult who knows the specifics and specificity of the pathology.

A source: http://drpozvonkov.ru/nevralgiya/prichiny-vozniknoveniya-i-lechenie-spasticheskogo-tetrapareza.html