Spasticity is a neurological condition characterized by increased muscle stiffness and involuntary muscle tightening. It occurs when there is damage to the parts of the brain or spinal cord that control voluntary movement. As a result, the normal signals that regulate muscle tone are disrupted, causing muscles to remain overly tight or to contract involuntarily.

Spasticity can affect different parts of the body, including the arms, legs, hands, or feet, and its severity can range from mild stiffness to severe muscle spasms that interfere with movement and daily activities.

Common symptoms of spasticity may include

• :Muscle stiffness or tightness

• Difficulty moving joints or limbs

• Involuntary muscle spasms or jerking movements

• Muscle cramps or sustained muscle contractions

• Reduced range of motion in the affected joints

• Abnormal posture of the arms, legs, or hands

• Pain or discomfort related to muscle tightness

• Difficulty with walking, balance, or coordination

Symptoms may worsen with fatigue, infections, sudden movements, or other physical stressors.

Spasticity occurs when there is injury or damage to the upper motor neurons, which are nerve pathways that normally regulate muscle tone and movement. When these pathways are disrupted, the balance between muscle contraction and relaxation is lost.

Common neurological conditions that can cause spasticity include:

• Stroke

• Multiple sclerosis

• Spinal cord injury

• Cerebral palsy

• Traumatic brain injury

• Brain or spinal cord tumors

• Certain neurodegenerative disorders

Spasticity can occur due to

• Stroke

• Spinal Cord injury

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Cerebral Palsy

• Other neurological conditions

• Neurophysiotherapy

• Botulinum toxin A for Spasticity

• Relieve the signs and symptoms of spasticity; Reduce pain, frequency of spasms, or irritating stimuli

• Improve gait, hygiene, activities of daily living, or ease of care

• Reduce problems with passive function, that is, the functions provided by the caregiver, such as dressing, feeding, transfer, and bathing

• Improve voluntary active motor function, such as reaching for, grasping, moving, and releasing an object.

Spasticity treatment with Botulinum toxin A is a fully insured service by OHIP

Neurophysiotherapy is not covered by OHIP