At BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN, Dr. Sravani Mehta provides care for patients who suffer from various symptoms related to brain injuries, strokes, and neurological conditions. Spasticity is a common symptom that people want to understand better.
What is Spasticity?
Spasticity relates to stiffness in the muscles, and it is typically caused by damage to the brain or nerves. The injury disrupts messages between the brain and muscles, and the person loses some degree of movement or speech. Spasticity may also cause pain and other issues.
What Causes Spasticity?
There are many reasons why people experience spasticity. The most common are strokes, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. Trauma to the head or brain, as well as spinal cord injuries, may produce muscle stiffness that prevents a person from moving or speaking properly.
How is Spasticity Treated?
Dr. Mehta recommends several treatment options for her patients who suffer from spasticity and related medical conditions. Physical therapy may help increase the range of motion, muscle strength, and coordination. Prescription medications and braces may also help. Dr. Mehta is a physiatrist who specializes in Brain Injury Medicine and provides a wide range of brain injury and stroke rehabilitation services, particularly in rehabilitative interventions such as physical medicine, and injections.
How Can You Manage Spasticity Naturally?
Stretching, exercising, and yoga may help to reduce the severity and frequency of spasticity. These should be integrated with your treatment plan at BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab). Dr. Mehta will recommend what you can do at home to help with muscle stiffness and discomfort.
Do Supplements Help with Spasticity?
Some studies have shown that certain supplements help with spasticity, such as magnesium. The benefits depend on the underlying cause of your muscle stiffness and limited range of motion. You can discuss these options during your appointment with Dr. Mehta.
What Should Someone with Spasticity Avoid?
Extreme temperatures may trigger an episode of spasticity. Try to stay at a comfortable temperature. When you go outdoors, dress for the weather. Another trigger is being in the same position for a prolonged period. Move your body every hour. If you are sitting for a long time, stand up, stretch, and walk around. Other triggers for spasticity include constipation, stress, illnesses, and fatigue.
Learn more about managing spasticity by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Mehta. Call BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN, today at (615) 450-6758.
