Spasticity
Spasticity Causes
The exact cause of spasticity is not known. It is however, observed that certain conditions, like fatigue, multi-tasking, and cold weather can trigger spasms.
Spasticity Definition
Spasticity is a motor system disorder, especially of the central nervous system, wherein certain muscles are continuously contracted, which results to stiffness or tightness of the muscles, and may affect movement and speech.
Spasticity Diagnosis
This condition may be diagnosed through interview of the patient affected to determine his symptoms, and through physical examination, and imaging tests.
Spasticity Symptoms and Signs
The symptoms of spasticity may include hypertonia, muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, clonus, exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, involuntary crossing of the legs, and contractures.
Spasticity Treatment
The treatment of spasticity lies in the determination and treatment of what is causing it. For instance, if the cause is fatigue, the main remedy is rest. Regular exercise, and muscle stretching or relaxing, and other occupational therapy or physical therapy regimens may help alleviate the symptoms of spasticity. Medications as diazepam or clonazepam, surgery for tendon release or to prevent muscle contraction, and the injection of botulinum toxin into the muscle, are also treatment options for spasticity.
Drugs used for treatment of Spasticity
Lioresal
Tizanidine
Zanaflex