Spasticity Management

Our Spasticity Management Clinic offers adults promising new therapies in the treatment of muscle spasticity. The clinic focuses on finding ways to provide relief from muscle tightness and stiffness caused by chronic conditions like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, brain injury and stroke.

We work closely with each person and his or her family to develop a comprehensive management plan. In most cases a primary care physician refers a patient to us when physical or occupational therapy has been ineffective or when oral medication has either failed or caused intolerable side effects.

The patient undergoes a thorough physical examination and a series of tests to help staff assess the degree and severity of spasticity. We also look at the person's range of motion, reflexes, motor control and cognitive abilities.

Following the evaluation, the team meets to determine the optimal treatment plan. Active and passive muscle stretching may be all that is needed when a small amount of spasticity is present. Splints, braces and other adaptive devices may also be prescribed.

Moderate to severe spasticity is often treatable with antispasticity medications. However, when oral medications are given in high doses to control spasticity, they may cause uncomfortable side effects. Two relatively recent and exciting treatment options for severe spasticity are the intrathecal baclofen pump and botulinum toxin therapy.

The intrathecal baclofen pump is one of the newest therapies for relief of spasticity. After a thorough evaluation, and if a person is a good candidate for this procedure, a pump is surgically implated into the abdomen to deliver the baclofen medication into the fluids surrounding the spinal cord. This technology, combined with intensive physical and occupational therapies, can dramatically improve a person's ability to perform everyday activities.

The botulinum toxin is used for specific muscle groups to temporarily stop hyperactive muscle contractions. It weakens the muscle, making it easier to perform daily living activities. This treatment is suitable for someone with isolated spasticity, who has not responded to other treatments, who has no fixed joint deformity in the affected location, and who may be at risk for permanent deformity.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at the Spasticity Management Clinic, call the Regions Hospital Rehabilitation Institute at (651) 254-4783.