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Definition

Spasticity is stiff or rigid muscles with exaggerated, deep tendon reflexes (for example, a knee-jerk reflex). The condition can interfere with walking, movement, or speech.

See also: Muscle cramps

Alternative Names

Muscle stiffness

Considerations

Spasticity generally results from damage to the part of the brain that controls voluntary movement. It may also occur when you have damage to the nerves traveling from brain down to spinal cord.

Symptoms of spasticity include:

  • Exaggerated deep tendon reflexes (the knee-jerk or other reflexes)
  • Scissoring (crossing of the legs as the tips of scissors would close)
  • Repetitive jerky motions (clonus), especially when touched or moved
  • Unusual posturing
  • Carrying the shoulder, arm, wrist, and finger at an abnormal angle due to tightness of the muscle

Spasticity may also interfere with speech. Severe, long-term spasticity may lead to contracture of muscles, causing joints to be bent at a fixed position.

Common Causes

This list is not all-inclusive.

Home Care

Exercise, including muscle stretching, can help make your symptoms less severe. Home-based physical therapy is also helpful

Call your health care provider if

Contact your health care provider if:

  • The spasticity worsens
  • Contracture deformities appear to be developing
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, including:

  • When was it first noticed?
  • How long has it lasted?
  • Is it always present?
  • How severe is it?
  • What muscles are affected?
  • What makes it better?
  • What makes it worse?
  • What other symptoms are also present?

Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist. Physical therapy consists of variety of exercises, including muscle stretching and strengthening exercises. Physical therapy exercises can be taught to parents who may then help their child perform them at home.

Medicines for spasticity include baclofen, tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine, and benzodiazepines. In rare cases, a pump may be inserted into the spinal fluid to directly deliver medicine to the nervous system.

Botox injections may help relieve spasticity symptoms in some patients.

Sometimes, a person may need surgery to release the tendon or to cut the the nerve-muscle pathway.

References

Griggs R, Jozefowicz R, Aminoff M. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 418.

Hammerstad J. Strength and reflexes. In: Goetz, CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 15.

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Spasticity is when muscles are continuously tight or stiff. Spasticity occurs commonly in multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and brain injury.

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Random/confused brain signals that force involuntary muscle movements.

It is also known as 'Spasticity'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spasticity

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Local injections of botulinum toxin can selectively weaken overactive muscles in dystonia and spasticity. Destruction of peripheral nerves through injection of phenol can reduce spasticity

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Random/confused brain signals that force involuntary muscle movements.

It is also known as 'Spasticity'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spasticity

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Oral medications are typically most useful in patients with mild, widespread spasticity, or those for whom sedation is not a problem.

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Spinal cord injury prevents the brain from telling the muscle to relax. The result is prolonged muscle contraction or spasticity.

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Drugs that are agonists for the GABA receptor (such as benzodiazepines) are better treatment options for different forms of spasticity, rather than GABA itself.

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Some synonyms of the word spasticity are: Anomalistic, different, bizzare, deviating, strange, uncommon, unnatural, weird, queer, odd, irregular, atypical, to name a few.

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Related words to spasticity movement disorder is muscular hypertonicity which is the medical word for it. Also muscles are realted to the word because they are the main cause. Nervous system is a word closely related also. Spasticity movements are uncontrolled tightening of the muscles due to a failure in the response of the muscular nerves.

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Botulinum toxin injections can help with spasticity by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, reducing muscle activity and spasm. This can help improve range of motion and muscle function in individuals with spasticity.

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Nutritional supplements can cure spasticity in various ways. The supplements will provide nutrients which will relieve the pain that is found around the muscle area and also ease the tension among other ways.

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Signs/symptoms include progressive macrocephaly (large head), psychomotor regression, spasticity , and seizures . The less common juvenile and adult forms have a slower clinical course, present with ataxia and spasticity

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Hypertonia is a form of spasticity that is caused by damage to the central nervous system. It is when the muscles contract and spasm.

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Baclofen is a muscle relaxant, used mainly for people with M.S. It helps control spasticity.

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Bracing may be used to support a weak muscle, or to prevent excess contraction of a spastic muscle.

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Chemodenervation is most appropriate in patients with localized spasticity in one or two large muscles or several small muscles.

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John Hawkridge has written:

'Uphill All the Way'

'Sticks and stones' -- subject(s): Spasticity

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Treatments available include physical therapy, oral medications, chemical denervation, intrathecal baclofen, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery.

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Royal Pains - 2009 Spasticity 2-1 was released on:

USA: 3 June 2010

Hungary: 11 December 2010

Japan: 21 April 2011

Germany: 9 August 2011

Australia: 30 October 2011

Belgium: 19 August 2012

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During SDR, certain overactive nerves entering the spinal cord are cut, reducing the activity that leads to spasticity.

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Rhizotomy is performed on patients with spasticity that is insufficiently responsive to oral medications or injectable therapies (botulinum toxin, phenol, or alcohol).

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Common symptoms of hypertonia and spasticity include muscle stiffness, tightness, and involuntary muscle contractions. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery to release tight muscles or nerves. It is important for individuals experiencing these symptoms to consult with a healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan.

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Spasticity, muscle coordination, ataxia, and scoliosis are all significant impairments that affect the posture and mobility of a person with cerebral palsy.

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Rhizotomy (also called dorsal rhizotomy, selective dorsal rhizotomy, and selective posterior rhizotomy) is a treatment for spasticity that is unresponsive to less invasive procedures

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Leanne Banes Kelly has written:

'Upper extremity casting' -- subject(s): Spasticity, Treatment, Bandages and bandaging

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Syringomyelia - A chronic disease of the spinal cord characterized by the presence of fluid-filled cavities and leading to spasticity and sensory disturbances.

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Hypertonia spasticity can make it difficult for individuals to move freely and perform daily tasks. It can cause stiffness, muscle tightness, and involuntary muscle contractions, which can lead to pain, difficulty with coordination, and limited range of motion. This can impact an individual's ability to walk, stand, sit, and perform activities of daily living, ultimately affecting their quality of life.

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Speech problems, difficulty swallowing, frequent vomiting, spasticity of the legs, ataxia, gradual intellectual decline, seizures, megalencephaly, or breathing problems.

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No, baclofen does not contain sulfur. It is a medication used to treat muscle spasticity and works by acting on GABA receptors in the brain.

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Sjogren-Larsson syndrome is an inherited condition resulting in thickened, dry, rough skin (ichthyosis), mental retardation , and stiff, rigid muscles (spasticity ).

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The most common surgery is tendon lengthening to treat equinus. In this procedure, the Achilles tendon is cut and the leg is placed in a cast in a more normal position.

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Baclofen (Lioresal) may be administered orally or intrathecally (introduced into the space under the arachnoid membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord) for control of spasticity due to neuromuscular disease.

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Signs/symptoms include cataracts and tendon xanthomas (fatty tumors) in the early stages, with ataxia, spasticity, mild mental retardation , dementia , psychiatric symptoms, respiratory insufficiency

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Pathway of blood to tissue capillies and back to heart.

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Dorsal rhizotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting some of the sensory nerve fibers in the spinal cord's dorsal roots. This procedure is often used to treat severe cases of spasticity or muscle stiffness in conditions like cerebral palsy. By disrupting the nerve signals responsible for the abnormal muscle contractions, dorsal rhizotomy can help improve motor function and alleviate symptoms.

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Weakness in one or both legs is common, and may be the first symptom noticed by a person with MS. Muscle spasticity, or excessive tightness, is also common and may be more disabling than weakness.

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​Yes, there is scientific evidence suggesting that medical cannabis can help alleviate muscle spasticity, particularly in conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS). Various studies and reviews have explored the efficacy of cannabinoids—active compounds in cannabis—in managing spasticity symptoms.​

Patient-Reported Outcomes:

Research indicates that individuals with MS using cannabis-based products are more likely to report improvements in spasticity compared to those taking a placebo. A review by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) found that patients reported relief from muscle stiffness and spasms when using these products. ​

Multiple Sclerosis Society UK

Clinical Trials and Reviews:

Moderate evidence suggests that cannabinoids, such as nabilone and nabiximols, may reduce spasticity. However, these benefits are often modest and primarily based on patient self-reports rather than objective clinical measures. For instance, a systematic review noted that while patients experienced some relief, the therapeutic effects were limited and accompanied by an increased risk of adverse events. ​

Cleveland Clinic

Limitations and Considerations:

It's important to note that while patient-reported outcomes are positive, clinician-measured assessments sometimes do not show significant improvements. Additionally, the therapeutic window for cannabinoids is narrow, meaning the balance between beneficial effects and side effects can be delicate. Therefore, while medical cannabis may offer relief for some individuals with muscle spasticity, its use should be carefully considered and monitored by healthcare professionals. ​

In summary, scientific evidence supports the potential of medical cannabis in alleviating muscle spasticity, especially in MS patients. However, the effectiveness can vary, and further research is needed to fully understand its benefits and risks.

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Drug therapy is used for those who have seizures associated with CP. Anticonvulsant medications are usually very effective in preventing seizures associated with CP. Drugs are also used to control spasticity in some cases.

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In conditions of excessive and inappropriate muscle contraction, spasticity (persistent states of muscle contraction), sphincter contraction, eye-movement disorders, tics and tremors, and cosmetically to treat facial lines and wrinkles.

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Initial, stereotypical symptoms involve rotary movements of the head and eyes, which may later disappear. Other symptoms include hypotonia, choreoathetosis (slow or jerky involuntary movements), spasticity, cerebellar ataxia

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Zanaflex (Tizanidine) is a strong muscle relaxant used in patients with anxiety or severe muscle spasticity. If a dog has ingested Zanaflex you should contact an Emergency Vet Clinic or your Regular Veterinarian to seek immediate treatment.

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  • muscle weakness / paralysis
  • hypertonia (increased muscle tone = spasticity)
  • hyper-reflexia of deep tendon reflexes
  • loss of cutaneous superficial reflexes
  • positive babinski's design
  • clonus (series of alternating involuntary muscle contractions and relaxations of flexor and extensor muscles)

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Some general signs can be :

  • Difficulty swallowing, sucking, speaking;
  • Variations in muscle tone, from too floppy to too stiff;
  • Spasticity-stiff muscles, exaggerated reflexes;
  • Ataxia-a lack of muscle coordination;
  • Tremorsan and more.

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The gene responsible for MJD appears at chromosome 14, and the first symptoms usually appear in early adolescence. Dystonia (spasticity or involuntary and repetitive movements) or gait ataxia is usually the initial symptoms in children

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Baclofen is useful for the alleviation of signs and symptoms of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, particularly for the relief of flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus, and muscular rigidity. Patients should have reversible spasticity so that baclofen treatment will aid in restoring residual function. Baclofen may also be of some value in patients with spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases. Baclofen is not indicated in the treatment of skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders. The efficacy of baclofen in stroke, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson's disease has not been established and, therefore, it is not recommended for these conditions.

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A person with MS or multiple sclerosis should avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. This can worsen the symptoms like spasticity. Avoid saunas and hot baths and regulate body temperature by drinking cool beverages.

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