Spasticity After a Brain Injury

Spasticity Following a Head Injury

Spasticity is one of the most common complications of a traumatic brain injury. For the muscles in the body to contract and relax, they must receive signals from various parts of the brain. When the brain is injured following a blow to the head, these signals can be disrupted. As a result of these crossed signals, spasticity can develop.

Individuals who suffer from these spasms might feel as though their muscles have tightened up and will not relax. Others may not be able to contract their muscles at all. This can manifest as an inability to perform tasks, such as writing or using silverware. Others might notice a profound weakness, such as their legs buckling on occasion. Some individuals find that their reflexes jerk nonstop. Regardless, this can create problems for someone who is recovering from an impact to the brain. It is essential for everyone to understand spasticity following a head injury.

Pertinent Information Regarding Spasticity

Individuals who develop spasticity following a TBI can exhibit a wide range of symptoms. This complication can present in different ways. Some of the crucial points that people should know include:

• While many people who suffer a TBI will develop spasticity, others might not
• Individuals with this complication often have muscles that feel stiff, won’t stretch, or are overactive in general
• Not everyone who develops this complication needs medical treatment
• In severe cases, people will notice almost constant spasms in their muscles, which can be extremely debilitating
• Multiple treatment options are available for those who suffer from spasticity

Because this complication often presents intermittently, many people have triggers for their spasms. By understanding these triggers, some people might be able to control their symptoms without medical treatment at all.

Common Triggers for Muscle Spasms

The symptoms of spasticity often come and go. Even though these spasms can happen unexpectedly, certain situations can trigger them. They include:

• When the targeted muscle group is used, such as in a stretch or a lift
• The presence of urinary tract infection or a full bladder, which can lead to abdominal contractions
• Injuries that involve the muscles, tendons, or bones
• Tight clothing that presses on the muscles
• Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or generalized emotional stress

All of these situations can trigger muscle spasms in someone who has suffered a head injury. Fortunately, there are different treatment options available.

Treatment Options for Spasticity

If the symptoms of spasticity are causing problems for someone’s overall quality of life, then treatment is warranted. Some of the treatment options include:

• Physical Therapy: A trained physical therapist can work with someone to reduce stress on specific muscle groups. This will keep the fibers relaxed and might help reduce muscle spasms.
• Medications: Medications can help someone reduce the frequency of spasms. These are typically muscle relaxants which can have side effects, including fatigue.
• Procedures: For severe cases, injections into certain muscle groups can reduce unwanted muscle activity. Some of these medications include Myobloc and Botox. These injections might need to be repeated from time to time.

Overall, most cases of muscle spasticity are manageable with the help of a trained medical professional. Reducing spasms can help people improve their overall function as they recover from a brain injury.

Watch YouTube Video: What Spasticity Is and Its Care Options. In the following video, Dr. Toba Niazi from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital discusses spasticity and its treatment options.

Orangevale Brain Injury Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, an Orangevale Brain Injury Lawyer. Spasticity following a brain injury can be a major quality of life hindrance. If an individual you care for has suffered a brain injury due to the negligence of another person or entity, please contact me today at (916) 921-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.