Spasticity Quiz

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Reviewed By:

Shohei Harase

Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)

Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.

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Learn more about Spasticity

Content updated on Sep 20, 2022

What is spasticity?

Spasticity is abnormal muscle tightness due to prolonged muscle contraction. IIt is usually associated with damage to the spinal cord, brain or nerves.

Symptoms of spasticity

  • Stiff, rigid muscles causing difficulty bending joints

  • Difficulty moving the joint(s)

  • History of stroke

  • Uncontrollable movements

  • Hands and legs became clumsy - I cannot do fine work with them

  • Fine tremor of the hands and fingers

  • The arm and leg on one side is weaker and harder to move than the other

  • Weakness in arms or legs

Questions your doctor may ask to check for spasticity

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose spasticity

  • Do you have stiff muscle and/or joints that are not flexible even with assistance?

  • Are your joints stiff and difficult to move?

  • Have you ever had a stroke (including cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, or subarachnoid hemorrhage)?

  • Do you have movements of the hands/legs/face, that you cannot control?

  • Do you feel that it is harder to move your limbs or that you are more clumsy recently?

Treatment for spasticity

Treatment depends on the cause. physical therapy, prolonged stretching can help decrease spasticity. Splinting, casting, and bracing can maintain range of motion and flexibility.

View the symptoms of Spasticity

References

  • Smania N, Picelli A, Munari D, Geroin C, Ianes P, Waldner A, Gandolfi M. Rehabilitation procedures in the management of spasticity. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2010 Sep;46(3):423-38. PMID: 20927008.

    https://www.minervamedica.it/en/journals/europa-medicophysica/article.php?cod=R33Y2010N03A0423

  • Dietz V, Sinkjaer T. Spasticity. Handb Clin Neurol. 2012;109:197-211. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-52137-8.00012-7. PMID: 23098714.

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780444521378000127?via%3Dihub

  • Sheean G. The pathophysiology of spasticity. Eur J Neurol. 2002 May;9 Suppl 1:3-9; dicussion 53-61. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-1331.2002.0090s1003.x. PMID: 11918643.

    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi?DOI=10.1046/j.1468-1331.2002.0090s1003.x

Reviewed By:

Shohei Harase

Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)

Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.

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