Spasticity

Spasticity is a complex physiological disorder, which may be simplistically characterized by excessive muscle tone resulting from improper reactions to stimuli. Spasticity causes contractures and weakness of the muscles, which may lead to problems with moving. In children, the most common cause of spasticity is cerebral palsy, which is a result of postnatal complications, pregnancy complications or genetic predisposition. Spasticity may be treated by rehabilitation, general pharmacological treatment or topical medications, such as botulinum toxin, or by surgical procedures consisting in selective transection of nerve roots and tendon extension.