Spasticity

A review

Young, Robert R. MD

Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Robert R. Young, Department of Neurology, 105 Irvine Hall, University of California, Irvine, CA 92717-4275.

Neurology 44(11):p S12-S20, November 1994.

Article abstract

This symposium is concerned with the treatment of spasticity and, in particular, with results from studies of tizanidine as a treatment for patients with MS and spinal cord injury. In this article, the definitions and pathophysiologies of spasticity are reviewed, and the issue of when and if to treat spasticity is evaluated. The merits of newer pharmacologic and invasive therapies are discussed relative to reduction of patient discomfort and the possibility of restored function.