Management of Spasticity

Abstract

Spasticity is one of the many components of the upper motor neurone syndrome; the other components including exaggerated refl exes, clonus, clasp-knife phenomena, fl exor and extensor spasms, spastic dystonia, and Babinski's sign. Spasticity is a symptom that is not isolated and can cause pain, stiffness, and spasm, resulting in a massive impact on a person's physical and emotional lifestyle. The management of spasticity requires a multidisciplinary approach incorporating nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and orthotists working together to provide a variety of treatments tailored to the needs of the individual patient. Keywords Spasticity • Tone • Upper motor neurone • Stroke • Post-stroke Key Messages• Spasticity is one component of the upper motor neurone syndrome that is characterised by increased tone, exaggerated refl exes, weakness, and contractures.• Spasticity can cause pain, stiffness, and spasm, resulting in a massive impact on a person's physical and emotional lifestyle as well as carer burden.• The management of spasticity involves a multidisciplinary team approach to direct treatment tailored to the needs of the individual patient.• A variety of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options for spasticity exist.• The management of spasticity is integral to the aims of rehabilitation involving re-education of movement and promotion of independence.