Objective measures of muscle strength demonstrate no adverse effects from tizanidine. Patients report less muscle weakness from tizanidine than baclofen or diazepam. When combined with baclofen, tizanidine presents the opportunity to maximize side effects by reducing the dosage of both drugs. Range of motion exercises and other spasticity-reducing techniques can be used immediately following injection. This form of treatment generally lasts about 12 weeks, then another dose can be administered.
Surgery can play a very important role in the treatment of chronic spasticity.
Patients with acute injury to the central nervous system will have changes in their muscle tone which fluctuate during the recovery period, and surgery should not be undertaken during this time of change. Patients with chronic spasticity should have a thorough evaluation of their current level of function. Realistic expectations for improvement in function should be established before surgical intervention takes places. This treatment can be effective for patients with severe spasticity, particularly for those patients whose conditions are not sufficiently managed by oral baclofen and other oral medications. Sedation, somnolence, ataxia and respiratory and cardiovascular depression are the drug's CNS depressant properties.