Spasticity Management
Spasticity is a condition that occurs when there is damage to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). As a result, certain muscles continuously contract and the patient’s limbs feel tight or have the sensation of stiffness. These uncontrolled muscle contractions can result in painful spasms and interfere with the patient’s ability to control movements of their arms and legs. It can significantly limit a person’s ability to perform routine activities like dressing, bathing, eating or walking.
Some of the common causes of spasticity are:
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Cerebral Palsy
The JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment options for patients with spasticity at our Edison campus. Our team of experts guide and assist patients in managing their spasticity to achieve their individual rehabilitation goals.
Spasticity Treatment Options
- Formulaiton of daily stretching and home exercise programs
- Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
- Use of splints or braces
- Oral medicaitons
- Local injections of medications to affected muscles (botulinum toxin injections)
- Local injections of medications to nerves (nerve blocks)
- Orthopedic procedures (tendon lengthening)
- Neurosurgical procedures (intrathecal baclofen pump)
The treatment options are tailored to each individual patient’s symptom severity and duration. In addition, specific and realistic goal setting is an important process in the treatment of Spasticity. Appropriate goals can be as simple as positioning a patients arm to increase comfort and reduce pain, to decreasing muscle tone in the leg to improve walking or running.
FAQ’s
Q. Will my insurance cover services at JFK JRI?
A. While JFK accepts most insurances, we will check your health insurance specifically to determine coverage under your plan. We strongly recommend that you confirm your insurance coverage as well.
Q. What is the benefit of being in a comprehensive rehabilitation center?
A. At JFK JRI PM&R physicians and therapists work together and treat a wide range of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones , ligaments, muscles and tendons. They are experts in evaluating and treating injuries, illnesses, and disability to maximize function and quality of life.
Q. How Is Spasticity Treated?
A. Treatment for spasticity may include oral medications like baclofen, botulinum toxin injections, or even a baclofen pump. Ask your doctor what’s right Occupational and physical therapy programs, involving muscle stretching and range of motion exercises, and sometimes the use of braces can also help with spasticity.
Q. How should I prepare for my doctor or therapy visit?
A. Questions often asked during office visits are:
- How well are you functioning at day to day tasks?
- Are you having pain and how severe are the symptoms?
- How long have the symptoms been present?