Upper Limb Spasticity
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OVERVIEW
What is upper-limb spasticity?
Upper-limb spasticity occurs when the muscles in the arm are constantly contracted (shortened) and stiff. This can cause unusual and uncontrollable muscle movements (spasms) in the arm. People with upper-limb spasticity may also have trouble coordinating the movement of their arms. They may have trouble using the arm normally. Upper-limb spasticity can also be painful.
SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms of upper-limb spasticity?
Upper-limb spasticity can force the arm into an uncomfortable position. The shoulder may be rotated, the elbow and wrist can become flexed and the fist may be clenched. The arm may also be forced up against body.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
What causes upper-limb spasticity?
Upper-limb spasticity is the result of damage to the nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The job of the nervous system is to send electrical messages back and forth from the brain to different parts of the body. Normally, the brain quickly sends signals which travel through the spinal cord and then through nerves that branch out to all organs and body parts. When there is an injury or damage to the nervous system, the electrical messages are disrupted and the brain begins to send too many messages. This results in the muscles stiffening and contracting.
The following are some of the most common causes of upper-limb spasticity in adults:
Stroke. Most strokes are caused by a blockage in an artery that carries blood to the brain. This can cause that part of the brain to be damaged, and you may lose control of a function that is controlled by that part of the brain. For example, you could lose the use of an arm or leg, or the ability to speak. The damage can be temporary or permanent, partial or complete. Stroke is one of the most common causes of upper-limb spasticity.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system. In people who have MS, the immune system destroys the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is the substance that surrounds and protects your nerve cells. When myelin around nerves is damaged or destroyed, the nerves can’t function properly to deliver these signals in the right way. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including stiffness or muscle spasms in the arms.
Spinal Cord Injury. The spinal cord is made up of bundles of nerves and nerve cells that carry messages from your brain to the different parts of your body. The spinal cord is protected by the bony rings in your back that make up the spinal column (also called the vertebral column or the backbone). The symptoms of a spinal cord injury depend on where the damage occurred. Damage to the vertebra (bones) in the neck (also called a cervical injury) can result in a loss of function in the arms as well as increased muscle contraction and muscle spasms in the arms.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI can occur when there is a severe, violent strike to the head, which causes the brain to bump against the inside of the skull. It can also occur when an object, such as a bullet or a piece of the skull, penetrates the brain. These types of injuries can cause bleeding or swelling of the brain, as well as damage to the nerve cells. This disrupts the way the brain sends messages out to the rest of the body. Traumatic brain injury can affect behavior, speech, sensation and movement, including upper-limb spasticity.
Adult Cerebral Palsy (CP). CP is a term for a group of neurological disabilities that affect muscle control, movement and coordination because of damage to the cerebral cortex (the area of the brain that controls muscle movement). People who have CP have trouble controlling their muscles and coordinating body movements. They may have stiff or weak muscles, which can cause them to make unusual muscle movements. Upper-limb spasticity is common in adults who have CP.
TREATMENT
What is the treatment for upper-limb spasticity?
If you have upper-limb spasticity, your healthcare provider may talk to you about physical therapy. Physical therapy can include stretching, strengthening exercises and muscle training. This will help you improve flexibility, coordination and strength in your arms. Sometimes braces or splints can also be used to help prevent muscles from contracting too much.
Your healthcare provider may also talk to you about different medicines. Antispastic medicines can help your muscles relax so that you have fewer spasms. Another treatment your healthcare provider may recommend is injection therapy, which also helps relieve muscle spasms.
Your healthcare provider may recommend surgery if the muscles or tendons become very stiff and limit the range of motion in the arms.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
- What causes upper-limb spasticity?
- Could it be a symptom of another condition?
- How can physical therapy help upper-limb spasticity?
- Can you show me some exercises that will help?
- Will this condition return?
- Can I prevent upper-limb spasticity from happening again?
- Is there medicine that will treat upper-limb spasticity?
- Are there any side effects?
- I have multiple sclerosis. Am I at risk of upper-limb spasticity?
Bibliography
See a list of resources used in the development of this information:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases‑conditions/upper‑limb‑spasticity/bibliography.html
Funding and support for this material have been provided by Allergan.
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