Spasticity

Spasticity is stiffness in limbs due to increase in muscle tone. There is associated weakness of the limb.

It is due to damage to the nerves from the cortex of the brain down into the spinal cord - the cortico-spinal tract. In adults it commonly occurs following a stroke, when it affects one side of the body, called hemiplegia. Strokes may affect children, but spasticity is much more commonly a consequence of birth injury due to prematurity, haemorrhage or lack of oxygen due to difficulties with delivery, when it is termed cerebral palsy. In such cases both sides of the body may be affected - diplegia, or all four limbs and the head and neck. There may be associated deficits in intellectual function, but this is often normal.

Physiotherapy to maximise and retain function, and prevent contracture, is the mainstay of treatment.
 
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