WHAT IS SPASTICITY

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Spasticity is a muscle control disorder that is characterized by tight or stiff muscles and an inability to control those muscles. Reflexes may persist for too long and may be too strong (hyperactive reflexes). For example, an infant with a hyperactive grasp reflex may keep his or her hand in a tight fist.

Causes of Spasticity

An imbalance of signals from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the muscles can cause Spasticity. In people with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury, this imbalance is often found.

Symptoms of Spasticity

•       Increased muscle tone
•       Overactive reflexes
•       Involuntary movements, which may include spasms and clonus
•       Pain
•       Decreased functional abilities and delayed motor development
•       Abnormal posture
•       Contractures
•       Bone and joint deformities

Diagnosing Spasticity

In order to diagnose spasticity, the doctor will evaluate the medical history. The doctor will look at what medications we have taken and whether the patient has a history of neurological or muscular disorders in the patient or in patients family. Several tests can help confirm the diagnosis. Our arm and leg movements, muscular activity, the passive and active range of motion, and ability to perform self-care activities are evaluated in this test.

Treatment for Spasticity

Occupational therapy and physical therapy programs, involving muscle stretching and range of motion exercises, and sometimes the use of braces, may help prevent tendon shortening. Rehabilitation also may help to reduce or stabilize the severity of symptoms and to improve functional performance. Deep brain stimulation is being studied as a treatment when these other measures fail to bring relief. Surgery may be recommended for tendon release, to cut the nerve-muscle pathway, or to implant a baclofen pump.

How painful is Spasticity

The pain associated with spasticity can be severe enough to produce painful spasms of the extremities, usually the legs, or it can be as mild as a feeling of tight muscles. Spasticity also can cause low back pain and result in feelings of pain or tightness in and around joints.

Outlook for people with Spasticity


An individual's outlook depends on the severity of patients spasticity and any disorder associated with the spasticity.

AVA Rehabilitation center, a future center of excellence, provides comprehensive patient-centered,neuro-rehabilitation care for persons who suffered the stroke, brain, and spinal injuries.

Location: Kochi, Kerala, India

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