Spasticity definition

1. What is the definition of muscle tone?
2. What is the difference between spasticity and rigidity?
3. What reflexes/tone are seen in a spastic limb?
4. What are the signs of upper motor neuron syndrome?
5. How is spasticty generally quantified?
6. What are complications or problems associated with spasticity?
7. What are benefits associated with spasticity?

Answers:
1. Muscle tone is the resistance of a muscle to passive stretch.
2. Spasticity is the velocity-dependent resistence to movement, caused by hyperexcitable stretch reflex. Rigidity is NON-velocity-dependent resistance to stretch.
3. Hypertonia, increased DTR and clonus, spread of reflex beyond the muscle stimulated.
4. Positive signs include spasticity, athetosis, primitive reflexes, rigidity, dystonia, decreased cutaneous reflexes, loss of precise autonomic control. Negative signs include weakness, paralysis, loss of dexterity, and fatigability.
5. The modified Ashworth scale is usually used: 0 is normal tone; 1 is increased tone with catch and release at end of ROM; 1+ is slight increase in tone through less than half of the ROM; 2 is marked increase in tone through more than half of ROM, but with full ROM; 3 is considerable increase in ROM with difficulty going through full range; 4 is affected part in rigid flexion or extension.
6. Interferes with function, painful, disfiguring, interferes with nursing care, contractures can form, predisposes to bone fractures, decub ulcers, interferes with hygiene, malunion of present fractures, joint subluxation/dislocation, increased HO, peripheral neuropathy.
7. Aids with ambulation, standing, and transfers, maintains muscle bulk, prevention of DVT, prevention of osteoporosis, decreased pressure ulcers over bony prominences, aids in diagnosis of noxious stimuli.