Introduction
Spasm, or spasticity, is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms. It affects people of all ages, but is most commonly seen in those with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis (MS). Spasticity is a disabling symptom that can significantly impact quality of life and functioning. It can cause pain, decreased mobility, and fatigue. The aim of this article is to review the current knowledge on spasm, its causes, and potential treatments.
Causes
Spasm is a symptom of a neurological disorder or injury. It is caused by an over-activation of the nervous system. In cerebral palsy, spasm is caused by an imbalance in the brain’s control of muscle tone. In MS, it is caused by the damage to the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Spasm may also be caused by other conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, and spinal cord injury.
Treatments
There are a variety of treatments available for spasm. These include medications, physical therapy, and surgery. Medications, such as baclofen, diazepam, and tizanidine, can reduce spasticity and improve mobility. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles and maintain range of motion. Surgery, such as selective dorsal rhizotomy, can be used to reduce spasticity and improve functioning.
Conclusion
Spasm is a disabling symptom of neurological disorders and injuries. It can cause pain, decreased mobility, and fatigue. The causes of spasm are varied, but are mainly due to an over-activation of the nervous system. There are a variety of treatments available, including medications, physical therapy, and surgery. It is important for individuals with spasm to work with their health care provider to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their needs.
References
Barbe, M. F., & Tardieu, G. (2003). Pathophysiology and treatment of spasticity. Neurologic clinics, 21(1), 33-45.
Cifu, D. X., & Kline, D. G. (2004). Spasticity: diagnosis and management. American Family Physician, 70(10), 1895-1902.
Nieuwboer, A., Kwakkel, G., & Rochester, L. (2008). Physical therapy for spasticity after stroke. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1).
Rosenbaum, P., Paneth, N., Leviton, A., Goldstein, M., Bax, M., Damiano, D., … & Kuban, K. (2007). A report: the definition and classification of cerebral palsy April 2006. Developmental medicine and child neurology, 49(1), 8-14.