Neurophysiology of spasticity

Geoff Sheean

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511544866.003

2 - Neurophysiology of spasticity

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 August 2009

Geoff Sheean

Edited by

Michael P. Barnes and

Garth R. Johnson

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Geoff Sheean: Affiliation:
Professor Department of Neurosciences, University of California – San Diego Medical Centre San Diego, California, USA
Michael P. Barnes: Affiliation:
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Garth R. Johnson: Affiliation:
University of Newcastle upon Tyne

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Summary

Introduction

The pathophysiology of spasticity is a complex subject and one frequently avoided by clinicians. Some of the difficulties relate to the definition of spasticity and popular misconceptions regarding the role of the pyramidal tracts. On a more basic level, the lack of a very good animal model has been a problem for physiologists. Nonetheless, a clear concept of the underlying neurophysiology will give the clinician better understanding of their patients' clinical features and provide a valuable basis upon which to make management decisions.

Definition

Some of the difficulty that clinicians experience with understanding the pathophysiology of spasticity is due to the definition of this condition. Most textbooks launch the discussion with a definition offered by Lance (1980) and generally accepted by physiologists:

Spasticity is a motor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes (‘muscle tone’) with exaggerated tendon jerks, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex, as one component of the upper motor neurone syndrome.

It may be difficult for clinicians to correlate this definition with a typical patient. They may see instead a patient with multiple sclerosis who has increased muscle tone in the legs, more in the extensors than the flexors, that appears to increase with the speed of the testing movements. They also recall a clasp-knife phenomenon at the knee, tendon hyperreflexia with crossed adductor reflexes, ankle clonus, extensor plantar responses, a tendency for flexor spasms and, on occasion, extensor spasms.

Keywords

contractures cutaneous reflexes neurophysiology nociceptive reflexes spasticity spinal reflexes upper motor neurone syndrome proprioceptive reflexes

Type: Chapter
Information: Upper Motor Neurone Syndrome and Spasticity
Clinical Management and Neurophysiology
, pp. 9 - 63

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511544866.003 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2008

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