Our Spasticity Management Program is part of Texas Children’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation that helps address the rehabilitation needs of patients with functional impairments affecting development, activities of daily living and mobility. Our neurosurgeons work with the Spasticity Management team to determine whether a procedure is right for your child. Our orthopedic surgeons can determine if surgical release of affected muscles/tendons may also be necessary.
What is Spasticity?
Spasticity is the term used to describe muscles that are stiff or rigid. It is common in children with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injuries. Normally, the brain sends signals that tell a muscle when to tighten and when to relax. In children with spasticity, those signals are disrupted. The muscles stay tight when they should be relaxing.
Spasticity can affect any muscle in the body. It can interfere with walking, sitting, dressing, using the hands, and sleeping. It can also cause pain.
Treatments range from therapy and bracing to injectable medications, oral medications, and surgery. The right approach depends on which muscles are involved, how severe the spasticity is, and what your child and family are trying to accomplish.
