Spasticity; Muscle stiffness; Hypertension
Spasticity is a disorder, which affects muscle control, causing rigidity, spasms and involuntary movements. It is usually associated with neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury. The condition is caused by an abnormal increase in muscle tone, which is often the result of damage to the brain or spinal cord.
The condition may interfere with walking, movement, speech and many other daily activities.
Spasticity is usually caused by damage to parts of the brain or spinal cord, that control muscle movement. These lesions can be the result of a wide range of diseases., including:
This list does not include all diseases., that can cause spasticity.
The symptoms of spasticity can vary depending on the severity of the condition.. Common symptoms include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor or healthcare professional immediately.
If you or your loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms, associated with spasticity, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Spasticity may be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, requiring emergency medical attention.
When you see a doctor about your symptoms, he may ask you a series of questions, to determine the cause of spasticity. These questions may include:
To diagnose spasticity, the doctor will conduct a physical examination and may order such tests, like an MRI, computed tomography or nerve conduction study. These tests can help identify any underlying medical conditions., which may be causing your symptoms.
Treatment for spasticity depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to relieve symptoms., such as muscle relaxants or antispasmodics. In other cases, physical therapy or occupational therapy may be recommended to improve muscle strength and flexibility..
If these treatments fail, more sophisticated treatments may be considered, such as intrathecal baclofen therapy, nerve blocks or surgical procedures.
Other treatments may include:
Your doctor will work with you, to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
There are also a number of home treatments, that can help manage the symptoms of spasticity.
These include:
It is important to discuss any home treatments with your doctor., before trying to use them, To make sure, that they are safe and effective for your individual needs.
Although it is not always possible to prevent spasticity, there are certain steps, you can take, to reduce the risk of developing this condition. These include:
Spasticity is a common condition, which can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms of spasticity, it is important to see a doctor immediately. With timely medical attention and appropriate treatment, spasticity symptoms can be managed and quality of life improved..
Deluca GC, Griggs RC. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 368.
McGee S. Examination of the motor system: approach to weakness. In: McGee S, ed. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 61.
Oleszek JC, Davidson LT. Spasticity. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Bloom NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 730.
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