Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What medication is commonly prescribed to treat muscle spasms?

1. Dantrolene

2. Baclofen

3. Cyclobenzaprine

4. Carisoprodol

The correct answer is: Baclofen

Baclofen is commonly prescribed to treat muscle spasms due to its effectiveness as a muscle relaxant. It works by acting on the central nervous system to decrease the frequency and severity of muscle spasms. It is particularly beneficial for conditions involving spasticity, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. Its mechanism of action involves stimulating GABA receptors, leading to an inhibitory effect on neuronal signaling, which helps to reduce muscle tension. While the other medications listed can also be used for muscle spasms, they might be more specific to certain conditions or have different mechanisms. Dantrolene is mainly used for conditions like malignant hyperthermia and severe muscle spasticity. Cyclobenzaprine is often used for muscle spasms related to acute musculoskeletal pain. Carisoprodol, although used for muscle spasms as well, is typically employed for short-term relief. Baclofen stands out for its broader application in managing muscle spasticity effectively.