Pathophysiology of spasticity.

Chapter 2 : Pathophysiology of spasticity

Spasticity: Pathophysiology and Neural Control

In discussing spasticity and its pathophysiology we presented evidences for cellular alteration and their neurocontrol. We outline clinical practice of recognizing and describing spasms and spasticity in order to emphasize residual descending influence to the spinal cord. Finally, we provide published evidences that such residual descending influence can be exerted under an attempt of an altere...

Pathophysiology of Spasticity: Implications for Neurorehabilitation

Spasticity is the velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone due to the exaggeration of stretch reflex. It is only one of the several components of the upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS). The central lesion causing the UMNS disrupts the balance of supraspinal inhibitory and excitatory inputs directed to the spinal cord, leading to a state of disinhibition of the stretch reflex. However, the del...

Spasticity and stroke: pathophysiology and management rules

Spasticity and stroke: pathophysiology and management rules 2 ARC Publishing in the rheological properties and in the contractile soft tissue and musculoskeletal system (intrinsic hypertonia) are often associated with chronic spasticity and, in turn have been associated with increased spasticity. Signs and symptoms of spasticity: Spasticity signs include muscle stiffness or spasm, muscle spasms...

New insights into the pathophysiology of post-stroke spasticity

Spasticity is one of many consequences after stroke. It is characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in resistance during passive stretch, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex. The underlying mechanism of the hyperexcitable stretch reflex, however, remains poorly understood. Accumulated experimental evidence has supported supraspinal origins of spasticity, likely from an ...