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Spasticity Treatment Dialogue Tool

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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)

Advantages

Effectively treats affected area
Non-drowsy
Can be combined with other therapies

Disadvantages

Treatment effect may diminish over time
Semi-invasive procedure
Specific for focal spasticity only
Cost

Oral medications

(such as baclofen, muscle relaxants and antispasmodics)

Advantages

Non-invasive
Reduces symptoms
Useful for global symptoms

Disadvantages

Poor tolerability
Side effects such as sedation and weakness
Additional cost

Electrical Simulations/Vibrations

Advantages

Reduces spasticity
Increases flexibility
Improves functioning

Disadvantages

Temporary relief
Used in addition to rehabilitation therapy

Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy

(pump)

Advantages

Effective for severe spasticity
Avoids many adverse effects of oral baclofen
Delivers medication directly to affected area

Disadvantages

Invasive surgical procedure
Cost of refills
Risk of overdose and withdrawal

Physical Exercise & Stretching

Advantages

Helps maintain full range of motion
Prevents permanent muscle shortening

Disadvantages

Limited therapy time/number of sessions

Tendon-Lengthening Procedures

Advantages

Permanent solution
Relieves pain
Decreased reliance on medication
Improved functioning

Disadvantages

Invasive surgical procedure
Risk of complications
Rehabilitation therapy required after procedure
Additional cost

Learn more at stroke.org/spasticity