Spasticity Clinic Ohio

A neurologist is a type of physician that can help patients with spasticity management. Neurologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions and diseases that affect the brain, spine, and nerves. Neurologists can diagnose spasticity-related issues, provide comprehensive care, and prescribe medication to relax muscles, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.

The most commonly used drugs to help ease spasticity include oral and intrathecal Baclofen, Tizanidine, Diazepam, Clonazepam, and Dantrolene. Physical medicine treatments are also helpful in managing spasticity and are administered by neurologists and physical medicine physicians. These treatments include electrical stimulation of the muscles and nerves, botulinum toxin injections, and intrathecal Baclofen pump implantation.

Spasticity can occur after an injury to the brain or spinal cord. Spasticity can also occur in the context of other neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or brain and spinal cord tumors. In addition, spasticity can occur as a side effect of certain drugs, such as anti-seizure medications or drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease.

Treatment options for patients with spasticity can include medications, physical therapy, stretching exercises, electrical stimulation, and surgery. Different treatments work best for different patients, so it's important to communicate with your physician to determine the best option for you.

Physical therapists help patients with injuries, movement disorders, diseases, or disabilities to improve their movement and manage their pain. They also teach patients how to use equipment to aid in better movement. Finally, physical therapists provide patients with tips on how to stay healthy.

Spasticity spasms can be treated with physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery. With physical therapy, patients can learn stretches and exercises that can help relax their muscles. Medications can be prescribed to relax the muscles and help relieve pain. Surgery may be needed in more severe cases to remove any damaged nerves.

While spasticity can often be treated with physical therapy and medications, it cannot be completely cured. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and improve movement so that patients with this condition can perform daily activities with greater ease. Spasticity treatment includes physical therapy, medications, and other therapies. With these treatments, patients can manage their symptoms to help improve their quality of life.

BOTOX^® injections are a commonly used form of treatment for spasticity. They help to reduce spasticity by blocking the signals from the nerve cells to the muscles. This prevents the muscles from contracting and allows for smoother movement. BOTOX® injections can also help to reduce pain and improve range of motion.

Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (ITB) is a form of treatment for spasticity that involves the infusion of the drug baclofen directly into the spinal fluid. This helps to reduce muscle spasms, improve range of motion, and reduce pain. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that works to reduce the activity of the nerves that control muscle movement. Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy is a more targeted form of treatment than BOTOX® and can be used to treat more severe cases of spasticity.

Just as with spasticity caused by other conditions such as MS and cerebral palsy, stroke-related spasticity can be treated using intrathecal Baclofen therapy (ITB), Botulinum toxin injections, and functional electrical stimulation/neuromuscular electrical stimulations (NMES) or vibrations. A combination of physical exercise and stretching is also recommended.

Spasticity caused by cerebral palsy is typically treated with a combination of medications, physical therapy, stretching, and exercise. Botulinum toxin injections are also sometimes used.

Managing spasticity in spinal cord injuries is a complex process requiring a multifaceted approach. Pharmacologic interventions such as baclofen or dantrolene may be used to reduce or suppress spasticity. As well, non-pharmacologic interventions are also recommended, such as physical therapy, serial casting, and orthotic devices. Finally, botulinum toxin injections are sometimes employed to block the nerve impulses responsible for muscle spasms and other contractures.

The current treatments for TBI-induced spasticity are four-fold: (1) oral medications such as Baclofen, Tizanidine, Diazepam, and Dantrolene Sodium, alone or in combination; (2) Intrathecal Baclofen drug delivery (ITB); (3) orthopedic surgery such as tendon transfers, tendon lengthening, osteotomy, and bony fusions; and (4) neurosurgery such as percutaneous and open selective dorsal rhizotomy.

The treatment protocol for hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is multi-faceted and must be tailored to an individual's needs. Pharmacological interventions such as Baclofen, Tizanidine, and Dantrolene Sodium may be used to address spasticity. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can be employed to improve functional abilities, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.