Treat spasticity
Contact your family doctor
If you are concerned about your symptoms, do not hesitate and contact your family doctor or general practitioner. If necessary, they will refer you to a neurologist or another specialist.
Initial examination by a neurologist
In order to best help you, you should describe exactly how the spasticity is affecting your life. You should describe exactly which everyday activities hinder you and in what form.
The specialist examines the symptoms and spasticity (impairment of muscle function). There is a physical exam, neurological tests are done and usually something like CT, MRI or other imaging tests are used.
What needs to be done for meaningful results?
- the degree of restriction of everyday life
- measure the strength of the affected muscles
- the intensity of pain
- the muscle tone (measurement: degree of tension of the muscles)
- the mobility of the joints - how large is the range of motion?
After the extensive examination, the specialist uses the results for the diagnosis and the subsequent therapeutic measures. Cooperation with the patient plays a major role here. In order for the specialist to be able to create the therapy measures in a patient-oriented manner, he should clearly communicate his wishes and goals. For one thing, doctors can set aside unrealistic goals and accurately describe the situation to the patient. The treatment method is also discussed.
The physiotherapist
The spasticity is also referred to as spasticity or spastic paralysis. The affected muscles are treated by a physiotherapist to eliminate or reduce further impairment. The aim is to improve functionality by means of various exercises. For this reason, those affected are also recommended exercises for everyday life at home, since positive results can only be achieved through continuity.
The therapy is coordinated jointly by the attending physiotherapist and the attending doctor. The patient's wishes are always taken into account and if they cooperate with the selected treatment program, then they are combined. However, treatment without medication is rarely possible. Patients often need painkillers.
What information/topics are important?
Doctors can try to fix things they know about. The patient should make an effort to open up to their doctors. The specialist staff is aware of how uncomfortable certain questions can be.
The following subject areas are to be considered:
- Movement errors, have you already had the spasticity treated by another doctor?
- Where, when, how intense, during which movements do jerks occur?
- Stiffness, how much are they limited?
- What medications, supplements or products have you already been prescribed and what are you taking?
In order not to overwhelm yourself and your relatives, take pen and paper together and write down all the topics mentioned above. If you have questions or other topics related to your condition that come to mind as you create your own guide, write them down.
Tip: Document questions and symptoms on two different sheets. You should also leave a space under each question if you want to write down the answers. This makes it easier for you to visit the doctor and leads to a faster diagnosis.
Preparation: What questions should I ask my doctor?
In order to be able to help the patient as best as possible, he should describe exactly how the spasticity affects his life. It should be described exactly which everyday activities hinder the person concerned and in what form.
What therapies are available to me?
Various measures are available to improve mobility. Your specialist doctor will explain to you which treatment options are suitable for you. In addition, he can explain the different therapeutic approaches to you.
Do I have realistic therapy goals?
First of all, you have to understand that the goals of therapy differ from patient to patient, ie an individual result can be expected depending on the degree of spasticity. However, this statement should not demotivate you, but only suggest that your expectations should be discussed exactly with your attending doctor.
What side effects can occur?
Find out about the possible risks and side effects. On a medicinal level as well as in terms of therapy options.
Does spasticity get worse as it progresses?
This possibility always exists. However, rarely during current treatment. Ask your doctor, as he can assess your individual course of the disease.
Treatment period – How long does the treatment last?
The mobility of the muscles and joints can only be improved through regular exercises and treatments. However, this is individual, since the treatment of spasticity is based on a long-term therapy plan.
What is most important?
your well-being! You should express all your concerns, thoughts and considerations to the doctor at any time. Because the success of a therapy program is not only in the hands of the doctor, but also in yours. Your readiness is the be-all and end-all. Doctors can perceive the patient, but not sharing important information with the doctor out of shame will hinder success.
Possible therapy goals
First, you need to understand that the goals of therapy differ from patient to patient. In order for the specialist to be able to create the therapy measures in a patient-oriented manner, he should clearly communicate his wishes and goals. For one thing, doctors can set aside unrealistic goals. Otherwise the results would be disappointing for you, despite medical advances and successes.
Can i be healed
Spastic paralysis has not yet been cured. Symptoms can be alleviated and controlled to the extent that the patient can manage his life through medical and physiotherapeutic treatments. (Restrictions excluded).
The general goals of therapy are:
1. Improving the quality of life (e.g. eating independently, dressing, hygiene, etc.).
2. Improving mobility (e.g. walking, jumping, lying, sitting, carrying, grasping, feeling,) holding.
3. Improvement of the optics through the improved posture.
4. Pain Reduction.
5. The patient's psyche can recover.
The positive effects of a therapy cannot be determined in advance. The static is individual and is influenced by various factors!
Therapy options
How are spasms resolved?
There are various treatment options, which also depend on the location and severity of the spasticity and accompanying symptoms. The basis of treatment is usually physiotherapy, which stretches the affected muscles and joints. On this basis, accompanying medical measures can be taken. Here, among other things, treatment with botulinum toxin plays an important role. In the case of focal and multifocal spasticity in particular, the simultaneous administration of botulinum toxin is often recommended.
The different treatment options:
Therapy with botulinum toxin 💉
The botulinum toxin is injected into the affected muscles, this procedure is called "intramuscular injection". The muscles relax. The decisive factor for this is the active ingredient. The dosage is individual. After a thorough examination of the affected muscle, the doctor has the opportunity to provide precise information on the dosage intensity. Botulinum toxin is injected into the patient using a thin syringe. It takes effect after just a few days.
There is a temporary relaxation of the pathologically tense muscle. Spasms and involuntary movements are reduced. The effect of an injection is long-lasting. Up to a few months until the patient should make the next appointment. You can find more information on our page "What is botulinum toxin"
The physiotherapy
This therapy is used to maintain the mobility of the affected muscles and joints. It usually forms the basis for every spasticity treatment. The therapy plan is individually tailored to the needs of the patient.
The Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
CIMT therapy has been established for several years to treat motor dysfunction after a stroke or other neurological diseases.
The founder of the therapy was the American psychologist Edward Taub. He believed that stroke victims often lost use of the affected limbs, leading to further deterioration of the paralysis.
In order to actively counteract this process, CIMT therapy forces the patient to e.g. B. to move the arm affected by paralysis intensively by immobilizing the healthy arm during therapy.
Training with the affected arm stimulates neural pathways in the brain and the patient learns how to use the paralyzed side again.
Orthotics and cast treatment
Orthoses are orthopedic aids that serve to support, fix and relieve the affected muscles and joints. The cast treatment could help stretch and lengthen the muscles.
Occupational therapy
In occupational therapy, those affected learn techniques that support them in everyday life. This also includes advice on possible aids. Occupational therapists are trained to provide individual support to people in carrying out their daily activities. With this they want to help you to become active, to participate and to gain more appreciation in social and private life.
Treatment with drugs
Antispasmodic drugs can be used for more severe functions and pain. Various medical treatment options are available to the specialist staff.
Find out from a specialist doctor or general practitioner. The intake is only recommended with a parallel concomitant treatment. Ask your doctor about risks or side effects.
The Intrathekale Baclofentherapie (ITB)
This is drug therapy with an additional surgical approach. It allows the administration of the drug "Baclofen" directly into the patient's spinal cord. It is transported to its destination by a pump under the abdominal skin. (ITB therapy for severe disabilities).
Note: For reasons of better legibility, the masculine form is used for personal designations. Corresponding terms generally apply to all genders in terms of equal treatment. The shortened form of language is for editorial reasons only and does not include any rating.