Spasticity in children 

Imagine your child struggling to move their arms or legs, experiencing muscle stiffness that makes playtime or daily tasks challenging.  

Spasticity, a common condition in children with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders, can present these obstacles.  

In this blog, we will understand the symptoms and treatment of spasticity in children in detail.

What is spasticity? 

Spasticity is a muscle control disorder marked by tight or stiff muscles and an inability to regulate their movement. 

It is often a symptom associated with damage to the brain and spinal cord, commonly observed in  individuals with neurological conditions, as: 

• Cerebral palsy 

• Spinal cord injury 

• Acquired brain injury 

• Stroke 

• Multiple sclerosis 

• Genetic conditions  

• Metabolic conditions 

What causes spasticity? 

Voluntary movement requires a series of communications between the brain and the muscles, with signals being transmitted through the nerves and spinal cord.  

Disruptions in this communication network can occur due to congenital conditions or other factors affecting specific regions of the brain, spinal cord, or nerves, affecting the flow of signals to and from the muscles.

What are the signs and symptoms of spasticity?

Spasticity is often diagnosed alongside cerebral palsy or following a brain or spinal cord injury.  Symptoms of spasticity include: 

• Increased muscle stretch reflexes 

• Involuntary contraction and relaxation of muscles (spasms) 

• Prolonged muscle contractions 

• Quick, repetitive, jerky movements 

• Increased, deep tendon reflexes 

• Abnormal posture or positioning of the shoulders, arm, wrist, or fingers 

• Involuntary crossing of the legs 

• Resistance to movement in specific muscle groups 

How are spasticity and cerebral palsy related?

Spasticity in people with cerebral palsy results from injury to the brain region that controls muscle tone and movement. This condition can impact both the arm and leg muscles.  

Although infants later diagnosed with cerebral palsy may not initially show spasticity symptoms, these symptoms may become more apparent as the child grows older. 

What are different spasticity treatment options? 

Muscle spasticity treatment aims to relax the muscles, relieve pain and stiffness, encourage optimal long-muscle growth in children, and improve children’s independence. 

Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy treatment for spasticity aims to maximize your child’s muscle flexibility, range of motion, coordination, and strength. Physiotherapy techniques include stretching exercises, range-of-motion exercises, and strengthening exercises.

 Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists can assist individuals in learning techniques to perform daily activities more efficiently, adapt their environment to accommodate limitations caused by spasticity, and use assistive devices if necessary

 Medications: Medications may be used individually or in combination. Our doctor and treatment team will tailor a regimen for your child to reduce muscle stiffness and spasms associated with spasticity. 

Intrathecal Medications: Intrathecal medications are released continually into the cerebrospinal fluid through a surgically placed pump in the abdomen. Baclofen is one such medication administered through this way. 

Surgery: Surgical spasticity treatment may be recommended for specific patients. Rhizotomy, a surgical procedure, involves a neurosurgeon accessing the sensory nerves along the spine and carefully isolating the nerves responsible for transmitting contraction messages to the affected muscles. 

Choose Neuropedia for spasticity treatment in Dubai 

If your child is facing challenges with spasticity, don’t hesitate to contact Neuropedia in Dubai.  

Our team of experienced professionals and pediatric neurologists is dedicated to delivering comprehensive assessments and tailored interventions to support your child’s needs. With our specialized approach and compassionate care, we strive to empower your child to communicate effectively and reach their full potential.  

Contact Neuropedia today to take the first step towards helping your child thrive.