2024 Spasticity Management 101 - Pathophysiology and Anatomy-Pathophysiology of Spasticity and UMN Syndrome

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this presentation, Dr. Marilyn Pacheco discusses the pathophysiology of spasticity and upper motor neuron syndrome. She explains that damage to the higher centers of the central nervous system can lead to dysfunction in descending pathways, particularly the corticospinal tract, which is involved in voluntary movement. This dysfunction can result in muscle paralysis and immobilization. Over time, spinal circuits undergo plastic rearrangements, leading to abnormal muscle contractions and reflex responses, which are characteristic of spasticity. Spasticity is defined as a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes and exaggerated tendon jerks. Dr. Pacheco also discusses the various signs and symptoms associated with upper motor neuron syndrome, including negative signs such as weakness and loss of muscle stretch reflexes, and positive signs such as spasticity, clonus, and associated reactions. She concludes by discussing the mechanisms underlying spasticity and the possible treatments for it, including muscle lengthening, motor training, and local muscle weakening.

Keywords

spasticity

upper motor neuron syndrome

corticospinal tract

muscle paralysis

plastic rearrangements

treatments