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

Adults older than 18 years

Spasticity secondary to

• Stroke

• Spinal Cord injury

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Cerebral Palsy

• Other neurological conditions

• Neurophysiotherapy

• Chemodenervation 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.

Anti-CGRP (Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide) therapies are a newer class of medications developed specifically for the prevention and treatment of migraine. CGRP is a neuropeptide involved in migraine pathways that contributes to inflammation, pain transmission, and dilation of blood vessels in the brain. These medications work by blocking the CGRP pathway, helping reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

Anti-CGRP therapies are used for patients who experience frequent or disabling migraines, particularly when traditional preventive medications have not been effective or are not well tolerated.

Several forms of anti-CGRP therapy are available. Some medications are given as monthly or quarterly injections for migraine prevention, while others are taken orally for the acute treatment of migraine attacks.

Clinical studies have shown that anti-CGRP treatments can significantly reduce migraine days per month, decrease headache severity, and improve quality of life. These therapies are generally well tolerated and are designed specifically to target migraine mechanisms.

A neurologist will assess whether anti-CGRP therapy is appropriate based on migraine frequency, prior treatments, and overall clinical history as part of a comprehensive migraine management plan.

The cost of the service is covered for patients with a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card issued by the Ministry of Health. The are prescription drug costs to be covered by the patient. The service is open to adults (18 years of age and older) with spasticity.

The are prescription drug costs to be covered by the patient. The service is open to adults (18 years of age and older) with spasticity.