What it means
Increased muscle tone that gets stronger the faster a limb is moved. It happens when the nerve pathways from the brain that normally calm the reflexes are damaged, as in stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy. It can cause pain, stiff joints that stop bending fully (contractures) and trouble with walking and care.
For the nurse
Do gentle range-of-motion exercises and position limbs carefully to prevent contractures. Give drugs such as baclofenBAK-loh-fenA muscle relaxant that eases muscle stiffness and spasms from nerve conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.Full entry as ordered and watch for drowsiness and weakness.
At a glance
| Spanish | espasticidad |
|---|---|
| Also written | spastic |
Related terms
range of motion
How far a joint can move in each of its normal directions, and the exercises that move joints through it.
multiple sclerosis
A long-term disease in which the immune system damages the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
cerebral palsy
A group of lifelong disorders of movement and posture caused by damage to the developing brain before, during or soon after birth.
stroke
Sudden damage to part of the brain because its blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel in it bursts.
baclofen
A muscle relaxant that eases muscle stiffness and spasms from nerve conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.