A 45-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis presents with severe bilateral lower limb spasticity causing pain and difficulty walking. She has failed physical therapy. What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for her spasticity?
- A Baclofen ✓
- B Tizanidine
- C Diazepam
- D Dantrolene
Correct answer: A. Baclofen
Explanation
Baclofen is the first-line agent for MS-related spasticity. It acts as a GABA-A agonist at the spinal cord level. Tizanidine is a second-line alpha-2 agonist. Diazepam is used for acute spasms or nocturnal spasticity but causes sedation. Dantrimust be monitored for hepatotoxicity.
Reference: Clinical Neuropharmacology (Katzung), 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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