Spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI) results in functional deterioration and reduced quality of life. Herein, we report two SCI patients who presented with good response to pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) for the management of spasticity in the lower extremities. Patient 1 (a 47-year-old man) had complete thoracic cord injury and showed a phasic spasticity on the extensor of both knees (3-...

OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility of using a novel form of multichannel electrical stimulation, termed Sensory Barrage Stimulation (SBS) for the treatment of spasticity affecting the elbow flexor muscles and to compare this with conventional single-channel TENS stimulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Altogether ten participants with spasticity of the flexor muscles of the elbow of Grade 2 or abo...

BACKGROUND Most patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience spasticity as the clinical course evolves. Associated symptoms include (often painful) spasms, urinary dysfunction and sleep disturbances. THC:CBD oromucosal spray (Sativex®) is approved for symptom improvement in adult patients with moderate to severe MS-related spasticity who have not responded adequately to other antispasticity...

OBJECTIVES Describe the rationale and protocol for the Upper Limb International Spasticity (ULIS)-III study, which aims to evaluate the impact of integrated spasticity management, involving multiple botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection cycles and concomitant therapies, on patient-centred goal attainment. Outline novel outcome assessment methods for ULIS-III and report initial evaluation data fr...

This review summarizes current information regarding the changes in structure or function that occur in skeletal muscle secondary to spasticity. Most published studies have reported an increase in fiber size variability in spastic muscle. There is no general agreement regarding any shift in fiber type distribution secondary to spasticity. Mechanical studies in whole limbs as well as in isolated...

OBJECTIVES To identify the drug treatments currently available for the management of spasticity and pain in multiple sclerosis (MS), and to evaluate their clinical and cost-effectiveness. DATA SOURCES Electronic bibliographic databases, National Research Register, MRC Clinical Trials Register and the US National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Register. REVIEW METHODS Systematic search...

BACKGROUND Intrathecal baclofen has been an effective therapy in the management of spasticity. As interventional pain physicians are rapidly becoming the experts in intrathecal drug delivery, they are now frequently asked to trial and implant intrathecal baclofen therapy. While some physicians might be very comfortable with the process of trialing and implanting, others will have next to no exp...

Spasticity and weakness (spastic paresis) are the primary motor impairments after stroke and impose significant challenges for treatment and patient care. Spasticity emerges and disappears in the course of complete motor recovery. Spasticity and motor recovery are both related to neural plasticity after stroke. However, the relation between the two remains poorly understood among clinicians and...

Background Neurotomies were one of the first procedures performed in the field of functional neurosurgery. Microstimulators and microscopes facilitate the performance of neurotomies to treat focal spasticity. This report shows how three different consecutive neurotomies were performed in one patient with chronic left upper/lower extremity spasticity. Case Description A 65-year-old male with i...

Spasticity is common in individuals with central nervous system (CNS) disease1. It causes pain and reduces voluntary movement, which can have a disabling effect on patients and negatively affect rehabilitation outcomes. Lance’s widely used definition of spasticity states that spasticity is a motor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes (muscle tone) wi...