Spasticity

Introduction

Spasticity is a motor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes with exaggerated tendon jerks, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex.1

Epidemiology
To determine the epidemiology of spasticity, it is necessary to first identify the disorders in which spasticity is a common finding.

For MS, the incidence is 4.2 cases per 100,000 and the prevalence is 0.9 per 1000. In North America, the numbers are somewhat higher, with an incidence of 7.4 cases per 100,000, and a prevalence of 2.0 per 1000. Both the incidence and prevalence of MS are higher in women than in men.2

Among all ages, the estimated annual incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke is 183 per 100,000 in the US. Among people in the US aged 25 to 74 years, the prevalence of stroke is 2%, with higher rates in older populations.2

The CDC estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans, approximately 2% of the U.S. population, currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of a traumatic brain injury.3

A 2008 report from the CDC estimates the prevalence of CP as 3.6 per 1,000 children or about 1 in 278 children.4

The CDC estimates that the annual incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) in the US is approximately 11,000. Roughly 200,000 Americans currently live with a disability related to an SCI.5

Within these populations, spasticity occurs at a variable rate. Studies have shown that spasticity affects between 37% and 78% of people with MS,6,7 40% of those with SCI,8 approximately 35% of those with stroke,9,10 more than 90% with CP,11 and approximately 50% of patients with TBI, with higher rates in those patients with midbrain and pons lesions.12

Please see the following topics related to spasticity below, and available on the left side of this page.

• Spasticity Pathophysiology
• Spasticity Assessment
• Diagnosis and Assessment
• Objective Measures of Spasticity
• Outlining the Treatment Goals
• Physical and Occupational Therapy
• Chemodenervation and Neurolysis
• Oral Medications
• Intrathecal Baclofen™ (ITB)
• Surgery
• Assessing the Results of Treatment
• References

For pediatric forms of spasticity, see: Pediatric Movement Disorders - Spasticity.

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WE MOVE is pleased to announce the availability of the updated and expanded CME print monograph, Spasticity and Other Forms of Muscle Overactivity in the Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome.

Spasticity Slide Set	Spasticity Rating Scales	Spasticity Patient Fact Sheets	Anatomical Illustrations