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Spasticity

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	Spasticity
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	Topics Spasticity Topic Home Spasticity or muscular hypertonicity is a disorder of the body motor systemMotor system The motor system is the part of the central nervous system that is involved to movement.... , and especially the central nervous system (CNS), in which certain muscleMuscle Muscle is contractile tissue of the body and is derived from the mesodermal layer of embryonic germ cells.... s are continuously contracted. This contraction causes stiffness or tightness of the muscles and may interfere with gaitGait * A gait is a particular way or manner of moving on foot: walking and running are the two basic human gaits; see also gait anal... , movementMovement Movement may refer to:Motion, change in position... , and speech. Depending on severity, the person with the spastic muscles may or may not feel it. However, it can often be severely disabling. The human motor system is not always linked with the sensory systemSensory system 'A sensory system is a part of the nervous system responsible for processing sensory information.... s, nor the voluntary-muscle systems. Presentation Symptoms may include hypertoniaHypertonia Hypertonia* is a condition marked by an abnormal increase in the tightness of muscle tone and a reduced ability of a muscle t... (increased muscle tone), clonusClonus Summary Clonus is a series of involuntary muscular contractions due to sudden stretching of the muscle.... (a series of rapid muscle contractions), exaggerated deep tendon reflexTendon reflex Tendon reflex is an involuntary muscle contraction after one of its tendons is hit.... es, muscle spasms, scissoring (involuntary crossing of the legs), and fixed joints. The degree of spasticity varies from mild muscleMuscle Muscle is contractile tissue of the body and is derived from the mesodermal layer of embryonic germ cells.... stiffness to severe, painful, and uncontrollable muscle spasms. The condition can interfere with rehabilitation in patients with certain disorders, and often interferes with daily activities. Over the years, it may increase in its effect, so more severe treatments may be needed later. Cold weather and fatigue can trigger spasms more severely than other times. The constant spasms can lead to muscle fatigue so periodic rest is required but often difficult to achieve. Multi-tasking (such as walking, talking, eating and other activities) can also trigger more severe spasticity. Possible benefits May help some patients to walk, stand or transfer (e.g., stand pivot transfers) May assist in maintaining muscle bulk May assist in preventing DVTs May assist in preventing pressure ulcer formation over bony prominences Can be used as “diagnostic tool” (with increased spasticity being a sign of exposure to a noxious stimuli—infection, bowel impaction, urinary retention, etc) Treatment If the cause is fatigue, the first remedy is rest or relaxation. Massage feels incredibly good but only provides temporary relief. Stretching the muscles involved also feels good but only provides temporary relief. Chronic spasms can lead to shortening of the muscles and ligaments. Regular (daily) exercises over the years ahead of these ligaments and muscles are needed to prevent the pain and the crippling of movement. Treatment may include such medications as baclofenBaclofen Baclofen is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid, and is an agonist specific to mammalian but not fruit fly GABAB recepto... , diazepamDiazepam Diazepam is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative.... , dantroleneDantrolene Dantrolene sodium is a muscle relaxant that is currently the only specific and effective treatment for malignant hyperthermi... , or clonazepamClonazepam Clonazepam is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative.... ; muscle stretching, range of motion exercises, and other occupational therapyOccupational therapy Occupational therapy is an applied science and health profession that provides skilled treatment to help individuals develop... or physical therapyPhysical therapy Summary This article concerns itself with the health profession.... regimens to help prevent joint contractures (shrinkage or shortening of a muscle) and reduce the severity of symptoms; or surgerySurgery Surgery is the medical specialty that treats diseases or injuries by operative manual and instrumental treatment.... for tendon release or to block the connection between nerve and muscle, so that the muscle does not contract. The connection between nerve and muscle may also be blocked temporarily, without surgery, by injecting botulinum toxinBotulinum toxin Botulin toxin is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.... into the muscle. Some USA states have also issued medical marijuana to help treat spasticity. Prognosis The prognosis for those with spasticity depends on the severity of the spasticity and the associated disorder(s). To a small degree spasticity performs the helpful role of exercise, but it is usually bothersome to normal activities in life. See also cerebral palsyCerebral palsy Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term encompassing a group of non-progressive neurological physical disabilities in the develo... Spastic DiplegiaSpastic diplegia Spastic diplegia refers to a type of cerebral palsy that is a neuromuscular condition of hypertonia and spasticity in the mu... Gamma-aminobutyric acidGamma-aminobutyric acid Gamma-aminobutyric acid is an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the nervous systems of widely divergent species.... rhizotomyRhizotomy A rhizotomy is a neurosurgical procedure that selectively severs problematic nerve roots in the spinal cord, most often to ... phenolFacts About Phenol Phenol, also known under an older name of carbolic acid, is a colorless crystalline solid with a typical sweet tarry o... baclofenBaclofen Overview Baclofen is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid, and is an agonist specific to mammalian but not fruit fly GABAB recepto... diazepamDiazepam Diazepam is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative.... dantroleneDantrolene Dantrolene sodium is a muscle relaxant that is currently the only specific and effective treatment for malignant hyperthermi... clonazepamClonazepam Clonazepam is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative.... tizanidineTizanidine Tizanidine is a centrally acting a2-adrenergic agonist.... transverse myelitisTransverse myelitis Transverse myelitis is a neurologic disorder caused by a loss of the myelin encasing the spinal cord, also known as demyelin... 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