Stroke and Spasticity: Identifying Risk Factors and Optimizing Patient Function

In the United States, there are almost one million strokes per year creating a significant burden on the healthcare system. With risk factors and complications of strokes being numerous, it is no surprise it takes a multidisciplinary team to treat and manage this mosaic disease process. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians (physiatrists) play a large role in management of post-stroke complications and aim to optimize and return the patients to their functional baseline. One specific complication well known to physiatrists is post-stroke spasticity. This article looks to shed light on the stroke burden in Missouri and how physiatrists contribute to post-stroke care with a highlight on spasticity management.