Muscle movements are normally controlled by a complex system
that allows some muscles to contract (tighten) while others relax. Damage to
nerves in the central nervous system can disrupt the pattern. As a result, many
muscles may contract all at once. This condition can be found in cerebral palsy,
traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and
other conditions that affect the brain and/or spinal cord. Spasticity mostly
occurs in the legs but can occur in the arms.
What are symptoms of spasticity?
- Increased muscle tone
- Involuntary movements
- Spasms (quick and/or sustained involuntary muscle contractions)
- Clonus (series of fast involuntary contractions)
- Pain or discomfort
- Less ability to function
- Problems with care and hygiene
- Abnormal posture
- Contracture (permanent contraction of the muscle and tendon due to
severe lasting stiffness and spasms)
- Bone and joint deformities
- Decreased quality of life
The Spasticity Management Team
The best way to treat spasticity usually means having an active
patient or support person and caregivers who work with a team of healthcare
professionals with different specialties. Members of this team may include one
or more of the following individuals:
- Neurologist
- Physiatrist, a rehabilitation doctor
- Advanced practice clinician
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Neurosurgeon
- Orthopedic surgeon
When is spasticity treated?
Spasticity should be treated when it causes pain, interferes
with activities of daily living or sleep, or leads to less ability to function.
What are some non-medical treatments for MS-related spasticity?
Spasticity can be reduced by:
- Performing stretching exercises daily. Prolonged stretching can make
muscles longer, helping to decrease spasticity and prevent contracture.
- Splinting, casting, and bracing. These methods are used to maintain
range of motion and flexibility.
What are some medical treatments used for MS-related spasticity?
Oral medications used to treat spasticity include:
- Baclofen (Lioresal®)
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex®)
- Dantrolene sodium (Dantrium®)
- Diazepam (Valium®)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin®)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin®)
What are the pros and cons of oral medications?
Oral medications have benefits as well as disadvantages. Advantages include:
- Oral medications can relax a large number of muscles.
- The dosage of oral medications is easily adjusted.
- Oral medications may be stopped at any time. However, many drugs should
not be stopped abruptly.
Disadvantages include:
- The effect of oral medications may be modest.
- Drowsiness is a common side effect. Dizziness and weakness may occur.
- Some medications may cause liver inflammation.
What are other options for treating spasticity?
Local injections into spastic muscles may be very effective.
These shots can reduce tone selectively in muscles that are causing the most
spasm. Injections may involve botulinum toxin [Botulinum Toxin A (Botox®)
and B (Myobloc®)] or phenol.
During botulinum toxin injections, the toxin is injected
directly into the muscle, making spastic muscles weaker. This may improve
positioning and function. The effects usually take 7 to 10 days to become
noticeable. The effects last from 3 to 6 months.
Surgical treatments
- Intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB)
- ITB therapy is used to treat severe spasticity. Baclofen is
delivered directly to the spinal cord by a programmable pump and
catheter. Because the drug is placed directly at the site of action
within the spinal cord, much less baclofen is needed, and there are
fewer side effects than if the drug were taken by mouth.
- Patients must undergo an ITB screening test prior to having a pump
placed.
- Orthopedic surgery, or surgery that deals with treating muscles, bones,
and connective tissue
- Neurosurgery, or surgery that deals with treating the brain, spinal
cord, and nerves
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 5/21/2009…#14346