What is Spasticity Assessment?

Spasticity is one of the signs indicating damage of upper motor neurone system on spinal or cerebral level. It may cause disability in numerous neuro- logical conditions such as cerebral paresis, multiple sclerosis, brain injury and spinal cord injury.

Aims of Spasticity Assessment :

When the patient presents a pattern of spasticity that implies on functional or postural loss, management of spasticity must be considered within a progressive approach – from the most conservative to the most invasive therapy. The aims of treatment should be the following:

i. Improve function - mobility, dexterity
ii. Symptom relief
iii. Postural - body image
iv. Decrease care burden - care and hygiene, positioning, dressing
v. Optimize service responses - to avoid unnecessary treatments, facilitate other therapy, delay/prevent surgery.