What is Spasticity & Cerebral Palsy?
Spasticity is a term used in medicine and neurology to describe a condition characterized by increased muscle tone or stiffness in one or more muscle groups. It is associated with certain neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injury.
Spasticity in children is mostly due to cerebral palsy. It results from an abnormality in the way the brain or spinal cord send signals and controls muscle movements. It occurs at birth or during the first two years of life. Once established, it is non progressive but it can continue to cause problems within the joints and muscles over time. It may impair only one side of the body (hemiplegia), predominantly the legs (diplegia) or all four limbs (quadriplegia).
Key characteristics of spasticity include:
- Muscle Stiffness: Individuals with spasticity often have muscles that feel rigid or stiff, making it difficult to move joints smoothly.
- Muscle Tightness: Affected muscles may be continuously tight and it can cause difficulty in relaxing or stretching them out.
- Involuntary Muscle Contractions: Spasticity can lead to involuntary muscle contractions or spasms, which can be painful and interfere with daily activities.
- Limited Range of Motion: The increased muscle tone can limit the range of motion at joints, affecting activities of daily living including washing, dressing, function and mobility.
- Impaired Movement Control: Spasticity can make it challenging to control movements, leading to difficulties with tasks such as walking, reaching, and grasping objects.
Treatment for spasticity may include various approaches, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, orthopaedic or neurosurgery and more. The choice of treatment is very individual and depends on the underlying cause, the severity of the spasticity, and the individual's specific needs and goals.
It's important to note that while spasticity can pose significant challenges in daily living, treatment options are available to help manage and alleviate its symptoms, thereby improving the quality of life for children and adults affected by this condition.
