Spasticity Versus Spastic Movement Disorder

Abstract

Spastic movement disorder is the consequence of vascular, inflammatory, or traumatic damage to the central nervous system (CNS). It is characterized by impaired performance of natural, functional movements. Neural phenomena such as exaggerated tendon tap reflexes explain spastic movement disorder only to a limited degree. Additional neural characteristics include attenuation or loss of polysynaptic reflex activity associated with reduced modulation of limb muscle activation during movement. CNS damage also leads to secondary non-neural alterations in mechanical muscle fiber properties, which lead to the development of muscle stiffness. These changes may support the body during the stance phase, and partially compensate for the paresis, but contribute to the spastic movement disorder. A better understanding of the pathophysiological basis of spastic movement disorder can assist in selecting the right therapeutic strategy.