Aim: This section aims to provide guidance in the following situations:
- Managing spasticity in a post-acute, systemically unwell patient:
- Emphasis is more on postural approaches and systemic medications in the context of other post-acute complications.
- Managing spasticity in the medically stable patient with brain injury:
- Emphasis is on specific physical approaches, and focally active medications rather than systemic medications.
EU- SPASM Group 2005: “Spasticity is a disordered sensorimotor control, resulting from an upper motor neurone lesion, presenting as intermittent or sustained involuntary activation of muscles.” (Pandyan AD, Gregoric M, Barnes MP et al. Spasticity: clinical perception, neurological realities and meaningful measurement. Disabil Rehabil 2005;27:2–6). This definition refers only to increased muscle tone and excludes spasms & clonus.
How does Spasticity arise?
Spasticity: Triggers and Aggravating Factors
Consequences of Spasticity and Indications for Treatment
Clinical Assessment of Spasticity
Management Strategies for Spasticity