Overview

Muscles have a certain amount of tone, or activity. The tone of muscles is controlled by signals from the brain. If the part of brain that sends these control signals is damaged by a stroke, then the muscle may become too active. This is called spasticity.

Symptoms

Stroke survivors experiencing muscle spasticity may have:

• A clenched fist, a bent elbow and arm pressed against their chest, a stiff knee or a pointed foot.

Causes

Muscle spasticity can cause:

• Stiffness in the fingers, arms or legs, muscle spasm, overactive reflexes, uncontrollable rhythmic contractions and relaxations in the muscles that lead to jerking. This is called clonus.Changes in posture, pain.

Diagnosis

Several tests can help confirm the diagnosis. These tests evaluate your arm and leg movements, muscular activity, passive and active range of motion, and ability to perform self-care activities.

Prevention

Avoid tight fitting clothes, maintain posture, drink sufficient water, check for skin infections, avoid stress, maintain regular sleep cycle, follow exercise regimen and take medications regularly as prescribed

Treatment

Antispasmotic Medicines, Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy.

Everyday Life

Spasticity in leg muscles can make it difficult to walk. It can affect balance and increases risk of falling. Muscle spasticity can also increase tiredness or fatigue because it is harder to move and you use more energy. Spasticity can result in contracture, which is when the muscles get shorter due to being kept too tight. This can result in a joint becoming fixed in one position

Resources

https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Help-after-stroke/Stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/Muscle%20spasticity%20after%20stroke%20fact%20sheet
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/pain-management-spasticity#1