What is Spasticity and Dystonia?
Spasticity is an increased resistance to muscle movement. The faster the muscle is moved, the harder it is to move. Dystonia occurs when a muscle tightens involuntarily. These two conditions result in twisting and odd postures. When this is seen in children, it is often described as going between being limp as a noodle and tight as a board. People with spinal cord injury may have severe spasticity. These symptoms may also be seen in people with cerebral palsy. It may affect people who have had a brain injury caused by trauma or lack of oxygen. Both spasticity and dystonia often cause problems with ease of movement, comfort, and care giving. A medicine called baclofen can be used to ease these problems with muscle movement. It can be given by mouth. If the oral form isn’t helping enough, it can be given into the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). If the spinal fluid route is used, an implanted pump is needed. The pump allows the baclofen to be infused around the clock. Who would benefit from
