Therapy of Spasticity. A Short Review

Overview

Spasticity belongs to serious clinical signs of impaired central nervous system of differentethiology and localization. Spasticity is defined as a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretchreflex. Scales for evaluation of spasticity are shown in details. The most common treatment ofspasticity is oral drug therapy (benzodiazepines, tizanidin, baclofen). This therapy is aimed atneuromediators, which influence spasticity. In severe generalized spasticity a long-term treatmentoften needs a higher oral doses of drugs or various drug combinations, which leads toexaggeration of general adverse effects. Intrathecal continuous baclofen administration couldresolve this problem. A local administration of botulinum toxin is suitable for focal spasticityin a small muscle group. In severe flexed spasticity, ablation procedures may be performed, suchas selective peripheral neurotomy, lateral longitudinal myelotomy and posterior rhizotomy.Physical treatment is also very important.

Key words:
spasticity – oral drug antispastic therapy – intrathecal baclofen – botulinum toxin.