Definition of Success in Post-Stroke Spasticity Management – How to Achieve Success?

Spasticity, that frequently affects stroke patients, is usually defined as a velocity dependent increase in muscle tone. In association with muscle paresis and fixed contracture, spasticity may cause typical pattern affecting both upper limb (elbow flexum, spastic hand) and/or lower limb (stiff knee gait, equinovarus foot). These spastic patterns interfere with function (gait and prehension) and cause discomfort (hygiene, dressing) and/or pain. A complete clinical examination is a necessary step before a specific spasticity treatment could be proposed in order to define the most appropriate treatment and to dete…