title: Spasticity management in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Spasticity is a prevalent and potentially disabling symptom common in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Adequate evaluation and management of spasticity requires a careful assessment of the patient's history to determine functional impact of spasticity and potential exacerbating factors, and physical examination to determine the extent of the condition and culpable muscles. A host of options for spasticity management are available: therapeutic exercise, physical modalities, complementary/alternative medicine interventions, oral medications, chemodenervation, and implantation of an intrathecal baclofen pump. Choice of treatment hinges on a combination of the extent of symptoms, patient preference, and availability of services.
authors: Department of Physical Medicine and Inpatient Neuro Rehabilitation, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Mailstop: H4-469, 1100 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98111, USA. Electronic address: pmrdoc@mac.com.
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Hughes
authors: Ileana M
authors: IM
authors: Howard
mesh_terms: D000529:Complementary Therapies; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D009407:Nerve Block; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities
chemical_list: D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central
keywords: Antispasticity; Chemodenervation; Intrathecal baclofen; Multiple sclerosis; Spasticity