Spasticity Infographic

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What You Should Know About Spasticity

Spasticity is like a charley horse that never ends. Symptoms include painful, stiff, rigid muscles, involuntary contractions or muscle spasms, and overactive reflexes.

Effects of spasticity:

Bent elbow and arm pressed against the chest
Stiffness in arms, fingers
Tight fist
Stiffness in legs or knees
Pointed foot
Curled toes

About 25 to 43% of stroke survivors will have spasticity in the first year after their stroke.

Complications from spasticity:

Atypical posture
Contractures (permanent contraction of the muscles and tendons)
Bone and joint deformities
Difficulty with care and hygiene
Skin irritation due to spasms

Treatments for spasticity:

While there’s no cure for spasticity, a combination of these and other therapies and medications can lessen the symptoms and improve strength and movement.

Targeted injections of botulinum toxin to block nerve pain and relieve tight muscles
Oral medications to help relax the nerves and muscles
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation or vibrations applied to spasmatic muscles
Intrathecal baclofen therapy may be used to deliver continuous medication to ease severe muscle contractions and spasms
Applying a brace or splint to an affected limb or joint
Gentle stretching of tighter muscles
Range-of-motion exercises
Frequent movement and repositioning of body parts
Surgery on affected muscles, tendons or joints to block pain and restore movement

Learn more at stroke.org/spasticity