ROSEMONT, Ill., May 21, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) has today released spasticity guidance
to establish a framework that reviews treatment options, endorses
the highest quality of evidence-based care, and encourages research
where there are knowledge gaps.
When spasticity symptoms are recognized
early, physicians can better manage and treat it through a range of
therapies.
Spasticity is a group of symptoms characterized by muscle
tightening or reduced stretchability following injuries to or
conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord, including stroke,
cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, or
spinal cord injuries.
Spasticity symptoms include uncontrollable rhythmic, shaking
movements, cramping, spasms, and tight, rigid muscles that cannot
be stretched easily and may cause pain. Other symptoms may include
incoordination, fatigue, weakness, and impaired motor control.
Spasticity is often delayed and an evolving condition. If left
untreated, spasticity can cause muscles to become stuck, leading to
joint deformity.
"Physicians have a growing toolbox of treatments for
spasticity," said guidance author Dr. Preeti Raghavan, MBBS. "When patients or their
caregivers recognize the symptoms of spasticity and seek treatment
for those symptoms, we have even better chances to manage and treat
their spasticity symptoms through a range of therapies."
The first line of treatment and management interventions aimed
at reducing the effects of spasticity is rehabilitative therapy.
Simple, non-pharmacologic interventions that facilitate movement
and improve function should be attempted before resorting to
treatments that carry more risks and side effects.
Therapeutic interventions can be used individually or in
combination, including oral medications, injectables such as
Botulinum toxin, and surgical options. An integrated,
multi-disciplinary, goal-centered management approach is essential
to providing long-term, comprehensive care for spasticity.
PM&R physicians are leaders in recovery and regularly care
for patients with conditions that cause spasticity, such as
rehabilitating patients post-stroke or other conditions causing
spasticity. Because of this, PM&R physicians have the necessary
specialized equipment, supplies, and prior authorization procedures
in place to treat spasticity patients and work with their insurance
providers. The guidance is published in the
PM&R Journal.
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is
the national medical specialty organization representing more than
10,000 physicians specializing in physical medicine and
rehabilitation. PM&R physicians, also known as physiatrists,
treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain,
spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons.
PM&R physicians evaluate and treat injuries, illnesses and
disability and are experts in designing comprehensive,
patient-centered treatment plans. Physiatrists utilize cutting-edge
as well as time-tested treatments to maximize function and quality
of life.
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SOURCE American Academy of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation