Spasticity
Current as of: November 20, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology
SpasticitySpasticity is a condition in which muscles are tight or stiff. At times the muscles may jerk or spasm uncontrollably. It can interfere with your ability to move, speak, or walk normally. Spasticity usually occurs because of damage to the part of the brain or spinal cord that controls voluntary movement. It is often the result of a spinal cord injury, a stroke, or a disease such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease). The main treatments are physical therapy and medicines that reduce muscle spasms. If spasticity isn't treated, the muscles may freeze in an abnormal position. Current as of: November 20, 2019 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology |
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