Centre of reference for management of spasticity

Among others, our department is designated as an international centre of reference for the treatment of spasticity; spasticity appears with abnormally elevated muscle tone due to lesions within the central nervous system (CNS; brain and spinal cord). Spasticity regularly results in substantial impairment of motor functions as well as formidable pain syndromes and hence lessens quality of life. Stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord lesions, to name but a few, are invariably associated with spasticity. Management of spasticity basically means realisation of a graduated therapy scheme built on physiotherapy and occupational therapy targeting at reduction of spasticity and is built likewise on robotic therapy and medication therapy strategies adapted to the individual patient´s needs.

Oral antispastic medication induces attenuation of abnormally tensed muscles and groups of muscles. Unfortunately, these medications do not exclusively affect spastic muscles but also act on body musculature in general hence its employment is restricted due to side effects. Special treatment options have been developed to overcome this and in fact intrathecally administered medication and focally applied drugs have proved to be safe and effective in antispastic treatment.