Patient/caregiver was instructed upon therapeutic uses of Dantrolene as follows:
Cerebral palsy
- Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder of movement and muscle tone, secondary to abnormal brain development in utero.
- Individuals with cerebral palsy can present with abnormal muscle tone and spasticity. Muscle spasticity can lead to contractures, rigidity, stiffness, and limited range of motion contributing to significant pain, and discomfort.
- Dantrolene intake in these individuals can help relieve the spasticity and tightness, relax the muscle, and contribute to relief of pain and stiffness.
Tetanus
- Dantrolene along with use of other medications such as, sedatives and antibiotics can be used for relief of muscle spasticity and muscle pains secondary to tetanus infection.
Malignant hyperthermia
- Malignant hyperthermia is a dangerous condition that can arise as a side-effect of medications administered for general anesthesia before surgical procedures.
- Secondary to anesthesia, availability of calcium ion could sharply increase in the muscle. This increase in calcium availability can trigger powerful muscle contractions, pain, and discomfort. Individuals can present with muscle rigidity and high fever. Improper treatment of this condition can damage the muscle cells permanently.
- Dantrolene administered IV can help with reducing availability of calcium ions needed for muscle contraction. This contributes to inhibition of muscle contractions, relief from muscle spasticity and tightness, and promote relaxation, leading to relief from pain and discomfort.