Home
About CHASA
Support
Newly Diagnosed
Rehabilitation
Ask the
Experts
Pediatric
Stroke
Medical
Hemiplegia
Cerebral Palsy
Hydrocephalus
Seizures
Vision
Rehabilitation
Other Medical
Daily
Living
Education
Sports
Finances
For
Parents
For
Teens
For Kids
Site Index
Contact CHASA
spasticity
Spasticity is a condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted. This contraction causes stiffness or tightness of the muscles and may interfere with gait, movement, and speech. Spasticity is usually caused by damage to the portion of the brain or spinal cord that controls voluntary movement. The degree of spasticity varies from mild muscle stiffness to severe, painful, and uncontrollable muscle spasms. The condition can interfere with rehabilitation and often interferes with daily activities.
Treatment for spasticity may include
- medications such as baclofen, diazepam, or clonazepam;
- muscle stretching, range of motion exercises, and other physical therapy activities to help prevent joint contractures (shrinkage or shortening of a muscle) and reduce the severity of symptoms;
- or surgery for tendon release or to sever the nerve-muscle pathway.
Workshop on Classification and Definition of Disorders Causing Hypertonia in Childhood April 2001.
© Copyright 1997-2005, CHASA, All Rights Reserved
The information contained in this Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke
Association (CHASA) Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and
CHASA recommends consultation with your doctor or health care professional.