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Spasticity after stroke. Epidemiology and optimal treatment
C F O'Brien1, L C Seeberger, D B Smith
1Movement Disorders Center, Colorado Neurological Institute, Englewood, USA.
Drugs & Aging
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Stroke survivors often experience spasticity, a condition involving increased muscle tone and abnormal reflexes. Effective management requires a tailored, multidisciplinary approach, especially in older adults sensitive to adverse drug effects.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Spasticity is a common and disabling complication following stroke, impacting motor function and quality of life.
- It presents as increased muscle tone, abnormal postures, and exaggerated reflexes, significantly contributing to disability in stroke survivors.
- Older adults may exhibit increased sensitivity to adverse effects of pharmacological interventions for spasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review commonly used and emerging interventions for managing spasticity in stroke survivors.
- To highlight the specific considerations for managing spasticity in older adults, including treatment sensitivities.
- To emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary and individualized approach to optimize outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on stroke-related spasticity management.
- Analysis of established interventions including oral medications and rehabilitation techniques.
- Evaluation of newer therapeutic options such as intrathecal baclofen infusion and botulinum toxin injections.
Main Results:
- Spasticity management involves a spectrum of interventions, from conventional rehabilitation to advanced pharmacological and procedural treatments.
- Older adults require careful consideration of potential adverse effects associated with drug therapies.
- A combination of treatment modalities, guided by specific patient goals, is crucial for effective spasticity control.
Conclusions:
- Optimal spasticity management post-stroke in older adults necessitates careful goal setting and a skillful integration of diverse treatment strategies.
- A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for addressing the complexities of stroke-related spasticity.
- Individualized treatment plans are key to achieving the best functional outcomes and improving the quality of life for stroke survivors with spasticity.