A brain injury has a negative effect on many of the body’s normal functions, including muscle function. Studies have shown that approximately 50 percent of all brain injured people, go on to develop spasticity. When spasticity is present, certain muscles do not have the ability to relax normally. Below is an overview of spasticity after brain injury and what can be done to combat it.

Common Causes Of Brain Injuries

The severity of a brain injury depends on the amount and type of force that impacts the head. Some of the most common causes of brain injuries include:

• Concussions
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Diffuse Axonal Injury Such As Shaken Baby Syndrome
• Anoxic Event
• Acquired Brain Disorders
• Brain Contusions

What Is Spasticity After Brain Injury?

When someone is brain injured and spasticity is present, it can be painful and debilitating. In a normal brain, signals are sent from the brain to the muscles which helps regulate muscle tone and control. When a brain injury occurs, the brain may not be capable of sending these messages and spasticity may develop.

Symptoms Associated With Spasticity

While spasticity can affect people in different ways, some of the most common symptoms it causes are:

• Diminished Range Of Motion
• Painful Movement Of Affected Limbs
• Involuntary Stiffness
• Extreme Muscle Tightness

Spasticity after a brain injury can be mild or severe. If left untreated, severe spasticity can lead to a permanent contractures of the affected muscles or muscle groups. Some brain injury patients have limp joints immediately after the injury and spasticity sets in over time.

How Spasticity Is Managed

People with spasticity after a brain injury often have pain is intense and must be managed with medication and other forms of treatment. Some of the most common treatments include:

• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Splinting Of The Affected Joints
• Casting Of Affected Limbs
• Prescription Medication
• Medication Delivered Continuously Through A Pump
• Surgery To Relieve Contractures

Complications Associated With Spasticity

People who suffer a brain injury and develop spasticity often leads to additional complications. Some of the most common complications associated with spasticity in people who have suffered a brain injury are:

• Chronic Urinary Tract Infections
• Fever
• Systemic Illnesses
• Ulcers And Pressure Sores
• Recurrent Constipation

Spasticity in children can be especially serious and lead to growth complications. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to avoiding serious and lasting problems associated with this condition following a brain injury in children and adults.