Spasticity

Abstract

SPASTICITY has been defined in strictly physiologic terms as "a motor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes ('muscle tone') with exaggerated tendon jerks, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex, as one component of the upper motor neuron syndrome." ¹ Whereas this definition refers to the minimum positive symptom in patients with "spasticity," it does not refer at all to the other components of the upper-motor-neuron syndrome² that are usually most troubling to patients. These components include positive symptoms, such as flexor spasms, and a multitude of negative symptoms designated somewhat inadequately as weakness and loss of . . .