What is spasticity?

Spasticity is a neurologic disorder in which there is excessive muscle tone or tightness. It may develop as a delayed consequence of an injury or illness of the nervous system. Common causes include stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury.

What are the symptoms?

Spasticity can affect nearly any part of the body, depending on the part of the nervous system that was injured. Symptoms may include increased muscle tone, stiffness, muscle spasms, difficulty in coordianting movements, and pain. If spasticity is present for a long time, muscles or joints may contract and become stuck in place.

How is spasticity treated?

Treatment begins with physical therapy, including stretching and range of motion exercises. Medications such as baclofen may also be used to help relax muscles. Botulinum toxin (botox) can also be injected into muscles. Some patients who develop painful contracted joints or limbs may be candidates for tendon releases and other orthopedic procedures.

Baclofen can be a very helpful medication, but sometimes it is needed at high doses that cause unwanted side effects. In such cases, ayour doctor might decide to deliver baclofen directly to the central nervous system. Patients start with a test dose, usually administered with a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). If there is a good response, your doctor may recommend an intrathecal pump. You can learn more about intrathecal pumps here.