​Spasticity​

​Spasticity is a disorder that causes stiffness in muscles. It is one of the most commonly occurring disorders due to cerebral palsy. In this, the part of the brain controlling voluntary movements is affected such that it causes the muscles to become extensively stiff, and when you try to move or relax your muscles, their stiffness aggregates. This forces the affected individual to keep his affected limb in one position, which sometimes results in weakness of the muscle. For instance, if spasticity occurs in the arms, the muscles of the arm tighten, pulling the elbows toward the body, and hands and wrists toward the chin. The hands themselves form tight fists. This constant tightened state may in turn weaken the muscles, stretching them to the point where some of their functionality is lost.

Other than cerebral palsy, some abnormalities like traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis can also cause spasticity. ​

Individuals with spasticity may experience:

  • Muscle Tightness and Stiffness: Continuous contraction of muscles, making movement difficult.
  • Involuntary Muscle Spasms: Sudden, uncontrollable jerking movements.
  • Joint Stiffness: Reduced range of motion in the joints.
  • Difficulty with Voluntary Movements: Challenges in performing tasks requiring precise muscle coordination.
  • Pain or Discomfort: Resulting from muscle stiffness and spasms.​

Consult our Neurology or Physiotherapy experts if you experience:

  • Persistent muscle stiffness or tightness affecting daily activities.
  • Involuntary muscle spasms causing discomfort or pain.
  • Difficulty with movement, balance, or coordination.
  • Signs of joint deformities due to muscle tightness.

Early evaluation and intervention can help manage symptoms effectively and improve quality of life.​

Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​

Diagnosis typically involves:

  • Physical Examination: Assessing muscle tone, reflexes, and range of motion.
  • Medical History Review: Evaluating past medical conditions, injuries, and family history.
  • Neurological Examination: Testing motor and sensory functions to identify abnormalities.
  • Imaging Studies: MRI or CT scans to detect lesions or abnormalities in the brain or spinal cord.​

Management strategies may include:

  • Physical and Occupational Therapy: Exercises to improve mobility, strength, and daily functioning.
  • Medications: Muscle relaxants or antispasmodic agents to reduce muscle stiffness.
  • Botulinum Toxin Injections: To temporarily paralyze overactive muscles.
  • Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy: Delivery of muscle relaxant directly into the spinal fluid for severe cases.
  • Surgical Interventions: Procedures like selective dorsal rhizotomy to reduce nerve activity causing spasticity.

Treatment plans are individualized based on the severity of symptoms and underlying causes.​

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialised clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the 'Numbers' section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatment costs and authorise admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the 'Numbers' section on the website homepage.​

Your doctor or nurse will provide specific instructions regarding any prescribed medications. It is essential to follow their guidance carefully. Self-prescribing or altering medication without professional advice can be harmful. Inform your healthcare provider of any past adverse reactions to medications. If you experience symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose, or a severe reaction, contact the Pharmacy Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. The contact number is listed in the 'Important Numbers' section on the hospital's homepage.​
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The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.​