What is spastic posturing?

Spasticity is a condition in which muscles stiffen or tighten, preventing normal fluid movement. The muscles remain contracted and resist being stretched, thus affecting movement, speech and gait.

What are the symptoms of spastic?

Spasticity symptoms include continuous muscle stiffness, spasms and involuntary contractions, which can be painful. A person with spasticity may find it difficult to walk or perform certain tasks. Spasticity in children can result in growth problems, painful and deformed joints and disability.

What can cause spastic paralysis?

Spasticity is caused by an imbalance of signals from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the muscles. This imbalance is often found in people with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury.

Can muscle spasticity be cured?

Usually, medical treatment or exercise therapy for spasticity is not a complete cure, so ongoing therapy may be necessary. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Can spasticity be reversed?

If you think you might have spasticity, talk to your healthcare provider or your physical therapist so that you can get the right treatment to relieve your symptoms of spasticity. Usually, medical treatment or exercise therapy for spasticity is not a complete cure, so ongoing therapy may be necessary.

Does exercise make spasticity worse?

Getting too hot when you’re exercising can temporarily increase your MS symptoms, like fatigue or spasticity.

How are spinal problems related to spastic quadriplegia?

Those with spastic quadriplegia are more at risk for spinal problems than any other type of CP. Another common issue is the lower limb and ankle deformities. For instance, ankle equinus, a condition where ankle flexion is limited, is a potential complication of the spastic quad.

How does a doctor know if you have quadriparesis?

Quadriparesis may occur after an injury or trauma damages the spinal cord. Such damage can occur from: A doctor can diagnose quadriparesis by reviewing your symptoms and performing a physical exam.

How to treat spasticity caused by spinal cord injury?

Injections. Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into affected muscles may decrease the muscle signals that cause spasticity. The injections provide temporary relief, allowing you to move and strengthen your muscles. You may have injections every three months.

What’s the difference between quadriparesis and tetraparesis?

Quadriparesis is a condition characterized by weakness in all four limbs (both arms and both legs). It’s also referred to as tetraparesis. The weakness may be temporary or permanent. Quadriparesis is different from quadriplegia. In quadriparesis, a person still has some ability to move and feel their limbs.