Spasticity Treatment in Noida, Delhi Ncr, India

Overview

Spasticity is a condition where muscles suddenly tense due to disturbances in their standard movement patterns. This results in tight and stiff muscles that stay contracted despite attempts to extend them. Spasticity can affect movement, walking, speech, and gait. Its severity varies from a vague sense of tightness to excruciating pain and involuntary muscle spasms.

Causes of Spasticity

Spasticity is commonly caused by damage to the brain, spinal cord, or nerve pathways that regulate movement and stretch responses. Several conditions can lead to spasticity, including:

• Traumatic spinal cord injury
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Cerebral Palsy
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Hereditary spastic paraplegia
• Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Krabbe’s disease

Symptoms of Spasticity

Symptoms of spasticity range in severity and include:

• Muscle tightness, impacting mobility and daily activities
• Painful, involuntary muscle contractions (spasms)
• Uncontrolled leg crossing
• Muscle and joint deformities
• Fatigue from reduced muscle growth
• Decreased protein production in muscle cells

Diagnosis of Spasticity

Diagnosis typically involves:

Physical Exam

• A detailed analysis of the patient’s previous and current health records
• Evaluation of posture, movement control, muscle strength, coordination, and endurance.
• Assessment of muscle resistance to passive lengthening.

Other Diagnostic Tests

• Electromyography (EMG): Measures nerve conduction velocities.
• Imaging Techniques: MRI may be used to view the head, neck, and spine, providing insights into potential causes of muscle issues.

Treatment of Spasticity

There are several treatment options for spasticity:

Nonsurgical Therapies

• Physical Therapy: Focuses on mobility training and stretching exercises.
• Occupational Therapy: Emphasizes upper extremity stretching and daily task training.
• Speech Therapy: Assists with speaking, communication, and swallowing for patients with spasticity affecting the mouth, face, and throat.
• Casting or Bracing: Provides prolonged muscle stretch to improve range of motion.
• Assistive Equipment: Aids in mobility and daily tasks.

Medications

• Oral medications are prescribed to improve function or sleep when spasticity is severe.

Botox Injections

• Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections relax spastic muscles, improving comfort and function. Results are seen within 7-10 days and last about three months.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical options are considered when nonsurgical treatments are ineffective.

• Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (ITB): A pump implanted in the abdomen delivers a continuous dose of baclofen to the spinal fluid, reducing spasticity and pain with fewer side effects.
• Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR): Surgical cutting of specific nerve roots to balance electrical impulses, mainly used for severe spasticity in the legs.
• Orthopedic Surgery: Treats muscle, bone, and connective tissue deformities caused by spasticity. Procedures include tendon lengthening and transfers.

Outlook

Spasticity can affect anyone, and timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for effective management. Consult a doctor if spasticity symptoms are noticed.

Reviewed & Updated On: Reviewed by Dr. Shyam Sunder Lakshkar, Sr. Consultant – Neurology, on 04-July-2024.