Chapter 10, Problem 5AYKA

Summary Introduction

Case summary:

Mr. White is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and is suffering from severe skeletal muscle spasms due to cerebral palsy. The drug, dantrolene, prevents the release of Ca²⁺ from SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum) is prescribed to him to manage his muscle spasms.

Characters in the case:

Mr. White – the cerebral palsy patient.

Adequate information:

Mr. White is suffering from cerebral palsy. He complains of severe skeletal muscle spasms brought on by his condition. He is prescribed dantrolene, a drug that can preventthe release of Ca²⁺ from the SR.

To determine:

The rationale behind using a drug that can prevent the release of Ca²⁺ from SR, in the management of skeletal muscle spasms of a cerebral palsy patient.