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Related Experiment Videos

Spasticity.

R R Young, A W Wiegner

    Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
    |June 1, 1987
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Spasticity, a symptom of upper motor neuron lesions, involves reflex hyperactivity but not most functional disability. Clinical neurophysiology aids in differentiating spasticity types and guiding effective treatments.

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    Antispasticity medications.

    Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America·1999

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Neurology
    • Rehabilitation Medicine

    Background:

    • Spasticity is defined as velocity-dependent stretch reflex hyperactivity, a component of upper motor neuron (UMN) lesion syndromes.
    • While contributing to contractures, spasticity is not the primary cause of functional deficits; paresis and fatigability are more significant patient complaints.
    • The underlying pathophysiology of spasticity involves increased segmental spinal excitability, not heightened muscle spindle sensitivity.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To elucidate the complex nature of spasticity beyond simple reflex hyperactivity.
    • To differentiate spasticity types and assess therapeutic outcomes using clinical neurophysiology.
    • To review current therapeutic strategies and their efficacy in managing spasticity and associated functional impairments.

    Main Methods:

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    • Clinical neurophysiologic recordings of reflex activity in spastic patients.
    • Review of existing literature on spasticity pathophysiology and treatment.
    • Analysis of therapeutic interventions including ablative procedures, pharmacotherapy, and muscle relaxants.

    Main Results:

    • Clinical neurophysiology allows for the classification of spasticity types and objective evaluation of treatment efficacy.
    • Ablative treatments may benefit severe spasticity; medications like baclofen and diazepam manage spasms but not spasticity itself.
    • Current therapies rarely improve function, and effective cures for paresis or chronic spasticity manifestations are lacking.

    Conclusions:

    • Spasticity is a complex UMN syndrome where neurophysiology is key to understanding and managing its varied presentations.
    • While some treatments address symptoms, a significant gap exists in therapies that restore function or cure underlying paresis.
    • Further research is needed to develop more effective treatments for spasticity and its functional consequences.