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Spasticity: Understanding and Management

Spasticity is defined as a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone with exaggerated tendon jerks resulting from hyper-excitability of the stretch reflex. It is not the same as rigidity, which is characterized by increased resistance to passive movement throughout the range of motion. The three main pathophysiological theories that attempt to explain spasticity are 1) changes at the spinal cord level, 2) changes in muscle properties, and 3) changes in descending motor control. The main forms of managing severe spasticity that were discussed are pharmacological treatment, botulinum toxin injections, and selective nerve root blocks, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

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137 views1 page

Spasticity: Understanding and Management

Spasticity is defined as a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone with exaggerated tendon jerks resulting from hyper-excitability of the stretch reflex. It is not the same as rigidity, which is characterized by increased resistance to passive movement throughout the range of motion. The three main pathophysiological theories that attempt to explain spasticity are 1) changes at the spinal cord level, 2) changes in muscle properties, and 3) changes in descending motor control. The main forms of managing severe spasticity that were discussed are pharmacological treatment, botulinum toxin injections, and selective nerve root blocks, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Uploaded by

duskninja
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Spasticity

Multiple choice From questions 1 to 3 which is true regarding the concept of spasticity? 1) Which of the following regarding spasticity is false? a) Its a neuro-muscular motor disorder b) A velocity dependent increase in tonic stretch reflex c) Involves hyperactivity of the stretch reflex d) Spasticity is the same as rigidity 2) a) there is no relationship between spasticity and the development in a contracture b) Stiffness associated with a contracture is usually spasticity due the presence of hypertonicity and the lack of hyperreflexia. c) There is a clear correlation between spasticity and activity since if there is a decrease in spasticity, there will be an increase in activity of the patient. d) Spasticity is an independent contribution to activity limitations. 3) a) Spastic muscles have longer length but shorter sarcomeres compared to normal muscle. b) The variability of fibre types is unpredictable c) There is a stiffness increase of about 10 times to that of normal muscle d) all of the above Short Answer 1) List the advantages and disadvantages to spasticity, how do these relate to the goals of management? 2) Explain how rigidity differs from spasticity.

3) What are the 3 path physiological theories that attempt to explain the cause for spasticity?

Long answer A patient comes to you and has been assessed to have severe spasticity. It is now limiting their daily functional tasks, causing pain and disturbed sleep. You wish to explain to a patient the 3 main forms in which one can manage there specificity. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as any adverse affects.

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