Spasticity
What is it?
Spasticity is a condition in which the muscles
are stiff and weak.
Who gets it?
Spasticity often occurs in people with damage
to the central nervous system.
What causes it?
Damage to the central nervous system affects
muscle coordination and movement. Around 75
percent of patients with severe to moderate brain
injury, 20 percent of patients with stroke, 70
percent of patients with cerebral palsy, and 60
percent of patients with moderate to severe
multiple sclerosis experience spasticity.
What are the symptoms?
Someone who is spastic has stiff, weak muscles
that are difficult to stretch. It usually involves
the flexors of the arms and the extensors of the
legs. In moderate to severe cases, the
patient requires great effort to move and lacks
coordination. Patients with mild spasticity
may be able to coordinate gross motor activities,
but have difficulty with fine motor skills.
How is it diagnosed?
A diagnosis of spasticity is based upon the
observable symptoms.
What is the treatment?
Spasticity is treated through physical therapy,
occupational therapy, braces, and in some cases,
surgery to improve muscle control. There is
evidence that botulinum toxin, if used
appropriately, may be effective in treating adults
with spasticity. Botulinum toxin is a local
muscle relaxant that can improve joint mobility
and relieve pain when injected correctly.
Self-care tips
If you are affected by spasticity, follow your
doctor's recommendations for treatment and
therapy.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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