[Pathophysiology of spasticity].
The term "spasticity" describes the velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes. The symptom is commonly seen in patients with injury to the central nervous system. It is rarely isolated but, instead, part of a set of symptoms that is sometimes confusing. However, the pathophysiology of the symptom has evolved over the past three decades, and it is now considered part of a global process that includes not only spinal reflex loop modifications, but also changes in the biomechanical properties of muscle fibers. Finally, recent studies of changes in the membrane properties of motor neurons and the occurrence of plateau potential have opened new perspectives. This review aims to describe these new pathophysiological models.
Unité 825 Inserm, Pavillon Baudot, CHU Purpan, 1 Place Baylac, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France. marque.ph@chu-toulouse.fr
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D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000502:physiology; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010243:Paralysis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D011712:Pyramidal Tracts / Q000503:physiopathology; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal / Q000502:physiology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000503:physiopathology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology