Spasticity Management

How your brain and stroke specialists in Franklin, TN, can help with spasticity

If you or someone you know has multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or has suffered a brain or spinal cord injury, spasticity can be a common problem. During an episode of spasticity, muscles will contract, which restricts their ability to help with movement. Spasticity management requires the skills and expertise of a brain specialist.

Dr. Mehta at BrainCare (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab), in Franklin, TN, provides a wide range of brain injury and stroke services, including treatment and management of spasticity.

During an episode of spasticity:

  • The muscles are unable to relax
  • Fatigue and muscle pain can occur
  • There is great difficulty performing tasks

Your brain specialist may recommend several treatment options to manage spasticity. These include:

Exercises, including stretching and positioning; these are typically developed by a physical and/or occupational therapist to help maintain range of motion and prevent shortening or contraction of muscles.

Medications, which are designed to reduce muscle spasticity and relax muscles.

Intrathecal therapy, which is liquid medication delivered directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. An implantable pump and catheter are used.

Injections, which may include Botox, injected into muscles to decrease muscle signals which cause the spasticity. Injections may be administered every three months.

Neurosurgical or orthopedic surgical treatment, to release tendons or treat the motor nerve root of sensory spinal nerves to stop spasticity symptoms.

You should see a brain and stroke specialist if your spasticity is:

  • Being experienced for the first time
  • Getting worse and more frequent
  • Becoming painful during an episode
  • Causing limited or halted ability to move
  • Affecting your quality of life

To find out more about spasticity and spasticity treatment, call Dr. Mehta at BrainCare (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab), in Franklin, TN, serving residents of Franklin and the Nashville area. You can reach her in the office by calling (615) 450-6758, so call now.