Spasticity

The symptoms of spasticity encompass a spectrum of manifestations, ranging from mild muscle tightness to agonizing, uncontrollable muscle spasms. Some common symptoms include:

• Muscle Stiffness: Patients with spasticity often experience muscle stiffness, which can hinder precise movements and make daily activities challenging.

• Muscle Spasms: Spasticity frequently leads to irregular and painful muscle contractions or spasms.

• Involuntary Leg Crossing: Some individuals with spasticity may unintentionally cross their legs due to muscle tightness.

• Joint and Muscle Abnormalities: Over time, spasticity can result in joint and muscle deformities.

• Muscle Fatigue: Patients may experience muscle fatigue, making it difficult to sustain physical activity.

• Reduced Muscle Protein Synthesis: Spasticity can lead to a decrease in protein synthesis within muscle cells.

Diagnosing spasticity can be challenging due to its varying levels of severity. Healthcare professionals typically conduct physical examinations and neurological tests to assess the presence and extent of spasticity. Additionally, imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide valuable insights into the underlying causes of spasticity and the extent of damage it has caused.

Fortunately, several effective treatments are available for spasticity, often involving a combination of therapeutic approaches. Some of the treatments that have demonstrated success in reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life for individuals with spasticity include:

Nonsurgical Treatments:

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy focuses on enhancing mobility and range of motion through stretching and strengthening exercises for large muscle groups.

• Occupational Therapy: This therapy concentrates on small muscle groups to enhance strength, coordination, and daily functioning. Speech therapy may also benefit individuals with speech difficulties due to spasticity.

• Casting or Bracing: These interventions can help reduce muscle spasms and alleviate muscle tightness.

• Oral Medications: Medications such as Baclofen, Benzodiazepines, Dantrolene sodium, Imidazolines, and Gabapentin may be prescribed, particularly when symptoms interfere with daily activities or sleep.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections: Botox injections can temporarily paralyze spastic muscles, providing relief for up to 12 to 16 weeks.

Surgical Treatments:

• Intrathecal Baclofen (ITB) Pump: Surgically implanted in the abdomen, this pump delivers a consistent dose of baclofen into the spinal fluid, significantly reducing spasticity and discomfort with fewer side effects. ITB pump therapy is often reserved for severe cases of spasticity.

• Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR): This procedure involves the precise cutting of specific nerve roots that contribute to spasticity. SDR is typically reserved for extreme leg spasticity and aims to regulate electrical signals sent to the spinal cord while preserving other functions.

In conclusion, spasticity is a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal muscle stiffness and spasms. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluations and imaging studies, while treatment options include physical and occupational therapy, oral medications, Botox injections, and surgical interventions such as the ITB pump and SDR. These treatments aim to alleviate symptoms, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life for individuals living with spasticity. Early diagnosis and a tailored treatment approach are vital to effectively manage this condition and its associated complications.

Healwise provides solutions for individuals facing health challenges like Spasticity. Our network of specialists offers a range of advanced spasticity treatments, including DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) for Movement Disorders, DBS Generator Replacement, and DBS Initial Programming.