Spasticity
Spasticity is a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness, which can interfere with movement, speech, or be associated with discomfort or pain. It is often caused by damage to nerve pathways within the brain or spinal cord that control muscle movement and is commonly found in conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain or head trauma, and spinal cord injury. Symptoms of spasticity may include increased muscle tone, clonus (rapid muscle contractions), exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, muscle spasms, involuntary crossing of the legs, and fixed joints (contractures). The degree of spasticity can vary from mild muscle stiffness to severe, painful, and uncontrollable muscle spasms. Treatment for spasticity may involve a combination of exercise, physical therapy, medication, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
