Spasticity results when there is damage to the portion of the brain or spinal cord that controls voluntary movement. When this damage occurs due to injury or disease, nerve signals do not reach muscles and they are continuously contracted, causing stiffness or tightness, which may interfere with movement and speech.
Causes of spasticity may include:
- Cerebral palsy.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Stroke.
- Brain injury.
- Spinal cord injury.
Sometimes children with these disabilities have intractable spasticity that does not respond adequately to physical therapy or other standard treatments. This spasticity interferes with daily functioning.
Multidisciplinary care
Our physicians and clinicians recognize the complicated nature of spasticity and are part of a specialized interdisciplinary clinic in which patients can see several medical sub specialists during one appointment, in one location, including specialists from:
- Neurosurgery.
- Orthopaedics.
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Physical therapy.
- Occupational therapy.
During the clinic session, a team of doctors and therapists evaluates each child and makes treatment recommendations. A physician discusses treatment options with the family at the end of the session.
Treatment options may include:
- Rhizotomy surgery.
- Baclofen pumps.
- Orthopaedic surgery.
- Botox injections.
- Medications.
- Orthotics and other equipment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 216.445.8179.
