Spasticity Treatment Dialogue Tool
Spasticity is one of the most common post-stroke conditions experienced by stroke survivors. If untreated, it can decrease your quality of life and increase the burden on your caregiver.
To find the right treatment, it’s important for you and your caregiver to have open dialogue with your health care provider. Assessment and diagnosis are critical in developing a treatment plan, and it’s important to evaluate progress and outcomes. This dialogue tool can educate you and help you have a productive conversation with your health care provider.
1. What symptom(s) is your spasticity causing?
- ☐ Pain
- ☐ Muscle spasms
- ☐ Tightness in limbs
- ☐ Severe cramps
- ☐ Distortion of muscles/limbs
- ☐ Limiting ability to perform tasks or activities
2. How long have you experienced these symptoms?
- ☐ 1-3 months
- ☐ 3-6 months
- ☐ 7 months or longer
3. What activities have your symptom(s) impacted?
- ☐ Eating
- ☐ Dressed
- ☐ Toileting
- ☐ Walking
- ☐ Sleeping
- ☐ Bathing
- ☐ Other
4. What treatments have you tried?
Spasticity Management Options
Discuss these treatment options with your health care provider to determine what’s best for you:
Targeted Injections(such as botulinum toxin) |
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Oral medications(such as baclofen, muscle relaxants and antispasmodics) |
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Electrical Simulations/Vibrations |
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy(pump) |
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Physical Exercise & Stretching |
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Tendon-Lengthening Procedures |
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Learn more at stroke.org/spasticity
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Ipsen is a proud sponsor of the American Stroke Association’s Spasticity Education Initiative.