Spasticity is a condition in which there is an abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness of muscles, which may interfere with movement, speech or be associated with discomfort or pain. Spasticity is usually caused by damage to nerve pathways in the brain or spinal cord that control muscle movement. It can occur in association with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, brain or head trauma, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hereditary spastic paraplegias, and metabolic diseases such as adrenoleukodystrophy, phenylketonuria, and Krabbe’s disease. Symptoms may include hypertonicity (increased muscle tone), clonus (a series of rapid muscle contractions), exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, muscle spasms, scissoring (involuntary crossing of the legs), and stiff joints (contractures). The degree of spasticity varies from mild muscle stiffness to severe, painful and uncontrollable muscle spasms. Spasticity can interfere with rehabilitation in patients with certain disorders and often interferes with daily activities.
Treatment
Treatment may include such medications as baclofen, diazepam, tizanidine, or clonazepam. Physical therapy regimens may include muscle stretching and range of motion exercises to prevent shrinking or shortening of muscles and to reduce the severity of symptoms. Targeted injection of botulinum toxin into muscles with the most tome can help to selectively weaken these muscles to improve range of motion and function. Surgery may be recommended for tendon release or to separate the neuromuscular pathway.
Prognosis
The prognosis for those with spasticity depends on the severity of the spasticity and the associated disorder(s).
Research
NINDS supports research into brain and spinal cord disorders that can cause spasticity. The goal of this research is to increase the scientific understanding of these disorders and to find ways to prevent, treat and cure them.
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investigations
performed on this condition.
Organizations
March of Dimes
Works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality through programs of research, community services, education and advocacy.
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
[email protected]
http://www.marchofdimes.com
Tel: White Plains
Fax: 914-428-8203
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Funds research, helps families stay together, provides accurate and up-to-date information, helps with employment issues, offers free counseling, runs self-help groups, advocates for people with disabilities, and provides referrals to doctors.
733 Third Avenue
3rd floor
New York, NY 10017-3288
Contact [email protected]
http://www.nationalmssociety.org
Phone: New York
Fax: 212-986-7981
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
Association of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare “orphan” diseases and helping the organizations that serve them. Committed to the identification, treatment and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research and service.
55 Kenosia Avenue
Danbury, CT 06810
[email protected]
http://www.rarediseases.org
Phone: Danbury
Fax: 203-798-2291
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
Educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a range of disabilities.
1825 K St NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20006
[email protected]
http://www.ucp.org
Phone: Washington
Fax: 202-776-0414
