Motor Disorders in Cerebral Palsy: Spasticity, Rigidity, and Dystonia
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis of Spasticity
Spasticity is a prevalent motor disorder in cerebral palsy, marked by heightened muscle tone and exaggerated reflexes. Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment and specialized tools, with treatment options ranging from therapy to surgery.
6/6/2025• 4 min read• 74 views
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normalintermediatePhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Motor Disorders in Cerebral Palsy: Spasticity, Rigidity, and Dystonia
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis of Spasticity
Spasticity is a common motor disorder associated with cerebral palsy. It is characterized by increased muscle tone and exaggerated tendon reflexes.
Symptoms and Clinical Signs
- Hypertonicity in affected muscles
- Clonus or involuntary muscle contractions
- Exaggerated deep tendon reflexes
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of spasticity is largely clinical and includes:
- Modified Ashworth Scale for muscle tone assessment
- Physical examination of passive movement resistance
- Electromyography (EMG) for neural activity analysis
Treatment Approaches
Several interventions aim to manage spasticity in cerebral palsy patients, including:
- Physical therapy and stretching exercises
- Pharmacological treatment (e.g., baclofen, botulinum toxin)
- Surgical interventions (e.g., selective dorsal rhizotomy)
Tags
#spasticity#cerebral palsy#motor disorders#physical medicine