Symptoms of spasticity include hypertonicity (increased muscle tone), clonus (a series of rapid muscle contractions), exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, muscle spasms, scissoring (involuntary crossing of the legs) and fixed joints.

The degree of spasticity can vary from mild muscle stiffness to severe, painful and uncontrollable muscle spasms.¹

While the precise incidence of spasticity is not known, it is estimated to affect more than 500,000 Americans.³ Spasticity can have a profound impact on quality of life. Patients may be unable to control motion, making it difficult to walk or care for them.

Fortunately, there are resources to help individuals with SCI manage spasticity and maintain the highest possible quality of life. For starters, the SCI Resource Center provides online resources related to spasticity ranging from information on available treatment options to finding appropriate healthcare professionals to simple connecting with peers dealing with spasticity. Additional information and support is available through the Resource Center staff at info@spinalcord.org or 800-962-9629.

1. The information from this section was excerpted for the National Spinal Cord
   Injury Association’s website (www.spinalcord.org) last accessed 1/15/08.
2.  
3. WeMove.org. Epidemiology of Spasticity
   http://www.wemove.org/spa/spa_epi.html. Accessed 11/28/07.