Pediatric Spasticity Clinic

Specialized focus.

We provide comprehensive evaluation, treatment and coordinated, ongoing care to children and teens who have complex cases of spasticity that may be difficult to treat. We coordinate care through all phases of treatment - from medication, leg braces and therapy to surgery and rehabilitation. 

Symptoms of spasticity.

Spasticity is a chronic state of tight or stiff muscle tone that interferes with a person's mobility. It's one of the hallmark symptoms of cerebral palsy. It also can result from a stroke, traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, anoxic brain damage, severe head injury and some metabolic disorders. 

Symptoms of spasticity include:

• Exaggerated deep tendon reflexes (knee-jerk reflexes)
• Scissoring (when the legs are turned inward and crossed at the knees)
• Repetitive jerky motions
• Unusual posturing
• Carrying the shoulder, arm, wrist and fingers at an abnormal angle

These symptoms can make dressing, eating, walking and other everyday activities very difficult for patients and caregivers, and can interfere with speech. Severe, long-term spasticity may also lead to muscle contracture, causing joints to bend at a fixed position.

Neurosurgical procedures like selective dorsal rhizotomy and baclofen pump placement - combined with orthopedic surgery and intensive physical rehabilitation therapy - can improve the quality of life for children with spasticity.