Current guideline “ Functional electrical stimulation for drop foot of central neurological origin ” on the safety and efficacy (in terms of improving gait) of functional electrical stimulation (FES) for drop foot of central neurological origin. Drop foot can be caused by upper or lower motor neuron lesions. Functional electrical stimulation is used to treat the effects of upper motor neuron lesions that can result from conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury but may occur in other conditions.
Symptoms and signs of upper motor neuron lesions include muscle weakness in a pyramidal distribution (an imbalance causing arm flexion and leg extension), hypertonicity, exaggerated reflexes, clonus and an extensor plantar response. Functional electrical stimulation is not normally suitable for patients with lower motor neuron lesions. Treatment options…
