Assessment and Treatment of Spasticity in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common type of CP. Up to 80% of all individuals with cerebral palsy suffer from some degree of spasticity. Spasticity adversely affects muscles and joints of the extremities, causing abnormal movements, and it is especially harmful in growing children.

Several methods have been developed and used to assess spasticity. The most commonly used test in clinical practice is the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). The test is based on the assessment of resistance to passive strech of muscle group at one nonspecified velocity.

Management of spasticity in CP involves multidisciplinary intervention intended to increase functionality, sustain health, and improve quality of life for children and their carers. This may include: oral medications, intrathecal medications, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, orthoses, surgical interventions, and pharmacological agents such as botulinum toxin.