Thanks to the nervous system, organs interact with each other. With its defeat, functional connections are disrupted, which leads to problems throughout the body.
Amiostatic syndrome (akinetic-rigid) is a severe form of a disease of a progressive type, which is accompanied by impaired motor activity. In this case, muscle tone increases. Against the background of such a pathology, Parkinsonism often develops.
Causes
The pathogenesis of the amyostatic syndrome is still not fully understood. Studies suggest that the cause is a decrease in the level of the neurotransmitter dopin in the substantia nigra and basal nuclei of the brain. Such an anomaly is called Mersch and Woltman syndrome - in honor of the American scientists who first described it. They assumed that this was a hereditary disease.
Provoking factors for the development of such a pathology are:
- hydrocephalus;
- paralysis with tremor of limbs;
- complicated form of encephalitis;
- genetic addiction to Parkinson's disease;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- cerebral arteriosclerosis;
- carbon monoxide poisoning;
- calcification;
- amyotrophic type sclerosis;
- brain damage due to syphilis;
- head injuries;
- AIDS;
- side effects from prolonged or improper use of phenothiazine-type antipsychotics.
These are the main reasons for the development of amiostatic syndrome. But still, most often it develops due to parkinsonism.
Symptoms of Amyostatic Syndrome
This pathology is also called muscle stiffness syndrome. First of all, it manifests itself in the fact that the tone increases even to a rigid state. A person has problems with reflexes. He is unable to maintain a stable position of the whole body or only individual parts. The condition worsens due to tremor of the hands or feet. Because of this, the quality of life of the patient is reduced. In the future, he can become completely immobilized.
In addition to such basic signs, the amiostatic symptom complex is manifested by others:
- plastic hypertonicity develops;
- arms and legs are in a bent position constantly;
- head bends strongly towards the chest;
- the variety of movements is significantly reduced (this phenomenon is called oligokinesis);
- communicative abilities are violated, speech becomes illegible, monotonous;
- intellectual development stops;
- emotions cease to be expressive - partially or completely (this phenomenon is called hypomimia);
- the handwriting changes - for example, at the end of sentences the letters decrease sharply (a similar phenomenon is known as micrography);
- movements become constrained and slowed down (this phenomenon is called bradykinesia);
- the patient’s attention is focused on one topic when he communicates with other people (a phenomenon called acairia);
- the patient during the movement can freeze in any position (this phenomenon is called a wax figure pose);
- at rest, the leg bends.
In addition, a variant of the manifestations of such a pathology is rigid human syndrome. It is characterized by the following:
- extensor muscles are in hypertonicity;
- the shoulder line is raised;
- head tilted back;
- the spine is bent (in particular, lordosis develops);
- the abdominal muscles are constantly tense;
- the muscles of the chest are greatly reduced, and uncontrollably.
Subsequently, due to the constant tension of the body, the position of the upper and lower extremities freezes in an abnormal position. A person will no longer be able to move around without any help.
These stages of the development of the disease are distinguished:
- Initial. It is characterized by stiffness of joints, limitation of movements, myasthenia gravis.
- Mixed rigid. Muscle degeneration occurs, tremors of the arms, legs, and jaw appear.
- Shaky. Muscle tone is normal. Weakness is not felt. But at the same time, the arms and legs constantly vibrate.
With the last form of the disease, a person can no longer eat, move independently.
Diagnostics
Before starting treatment for amiostatic syndrome, an examination is required that includes laboratory and instrumental studies.
During the diagnosis, the doctor pays attention to bradykinesis. It is characterized by slow movement, speech. In addition, a rigid state of the muscles, tremor of the hands will be noticeable. To exclude Parkinson's disease, tumors or dropsy, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, as well as nuclear-resonance brain scans, are performed for differential diagnosis.
Treatment
If the diagnosis of "amiostatic syndrome" is confirmed, the doctor will select the therapy individually for each patient, but dosage decisions are standard. The severity of the patient’s condition, his age, and the clinical form of the disease are taken into account.
Therapy begins with a minimum dosage. It involves the use of only one remedy (monotherapy), as well as the rejection of antizolinergic drugs and acetylcholine blockers. In addition, they monitor the development of symptoms and the body's response to the drugs used.
Preparations
Conservative therapy involves the use of medications.
For example, muscle relaxants are used. They reduce muscle tone. For example, you can use Midokalm, Flexin, Meprotan.
Dopamine receptor blockers are used. But only in the blood, not in the brain. For example, such medicines as Haloperidolum, Tiopropazat, Pimozidum will approach.
Prescribe the drug "L-Dopa." Such a medicine is prescribed for a tremulous form of the disease. Use the medicine only in the most severe cases.
Means for the restoration of motor activity. Suitable "Pyridoxine", "Romparkin", "Lysuride."
Additionally, if necessary, medications are prescribed for seizures, insomnia, and depression.
Used drugs that reduce muscle tone. For example, Cyclodolum, Tropacin and others have indications for use.
Conclusion
Amiostatic syndrome is a severe rapidly developing disease in which a person suffers from tremor of the extremities, hypertonicity and other problems with motor functions.
When using special medications and starting therapy in the early stages of the disease, the patient's life prospects are significantly improved. If you ignore the disease, then paralysis will quickly develop, and a person will not be able to move independently.