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3.23. Spasticity
Information Sheets
- Spasticity and Spinal Cord Injury. Fact sheet from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, published in 2011 in conjunction with the participating Spinal Cord Injury Model System Centers. This information sheet discusses the causes of spasticity and reviews available treatments including physical treatments, medications and surgical options.
- Spasticity Information Page. Information page published by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) describing spasticity causes and treatments. This document also links to spasticity related research.
- Spasticity Answers: (See "Download" section below to download this brochure from Allergan). This brochure discusses the following topics.
- What is spasticity?
- How do I know I have spasticity?
- Spasticity can cause different types of problems
- Who treats spasticity?
- What should I do if I think I may have spasticity?
- How can I prepare for a discussion about spasticity treatment with my specialist?
United Spinal Association, Spasticity Related Webinars
- Pain and Spasticity Management Without Pills. Presented 10/13/16 by Kimberly Anderson-Erisman, PhD and Ms. Jennifer French, MBA.
- Know Your Options for Treating Severe Spasticity. Presented 3/11/15 by Dr. Gerald Bilsky, physiatrist. While there is no cure for severe spasticity, there are treatments. If you would like to learn more about these treatment options, please view this educational webinar. View Webinar Video View Webinar PDF Webinar Transcript PDF
Websites to Learn about Spasticity and Treatments
- Baclofen Pump for ITB Therapy (Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy). Baclofen pump information from Medtronic.
- Botoxspasticity.com: Information regarding Botox® treatment for spasticity, provided by Allergan. Provides information regarding treatment, links to locate specialists for Botox® treatment, and information regarding reducing your treatment costs.
Patient Assistance Programs for Spasticity Treatments
- Intrathecal Drug Delivery, Coverage & Reimbursement -Please note that this site is for healthcare professionals.
- Reimbursement Assistance Program- Acorda Therapeutics patient assistance program for eligible patients prescribed Zanaflex to manage their spasticity.
- Programs to Help You With Botox® Treatment Costs-Please see "Downloads" section below to download this Allergan brochure.
Other Video Resources
- Spastic Hypertonia (27 minutes): This University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) provided video defines Spastic Hypertonia (spasticity), explaining the advantages and disadvantages of spasticity, and general treatment options if desired. Also offers a general understanding of sensation and reflex.
- Spasticity and Spinal Cord Injury, Part 1. The Good, The Bad, and The Not-So-Ugly: Medical and Pharmacological Treatments for Spasticity. An SCI Forum presented on January 13, 2015, by Rina Reyes, MD, Amy Icarangal, PT, and Geralyn Bertellotti, OT at the University of Washington Medical Center. Spasticity in spinal cord injury is often viewed as a cause of dysfunction and pain. But there is more to it than that. This SCI Forum presentation explored the positive effects of spasticity ("the good"), the negative effects ("the bad"), the neutral effects ("the not so ugly"), and a variety of interventions for spasticity. A rehabilitation medicine physician, a physical therapist, and an occupational therapist summarized the causes of spasticity and discussed a variety of conventional and non-conventional treatment options. Watch the video or read the report.
- Spasticity and Spinal Cord Injury - Part 2. Real Life Stories: A Panel Discussion. An SCI Forum presented on February 10, 2015 at the University of Washington Medical Center. Spasticity is an almost universal complication of spinal cord injury, but the way it manifests itself varies enormously from person to person. In this forum, four individuals with SCI share their unique experiences with spasticity since their injuries, what treatments they have tried over the years, and how they are managing their spasticity now. The discussion is moderated by Dr. Jeanne Hoffman, UW professor and clinical psychologist in the UW Department of Rehabilitation Medicine.
- Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy for Management of Spasticity. An SCI Forum presented on January 12, 2010 by Rina Reyes, MD at the University of Washington Medical Center. This 85 minute talk provides in-depth information about when to consider an implanted, programmable baclofen pump for spasticity management; the process of being evaluated for this treatment; the potential advantages, limitations, and drawbacks to the pump; and requirements to maintain a baclofen pump. A panel of individuals (two with spinal cord injury and one with MS) who have an implanted baclofen pump discuss their reasons for choosing the device and what the experience has been like for them.
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