The spasticity Multiple Sclerosis patients report to doctors ranges from mild stiffness in muscles to uncontrollable spasms. The experience of muscle spasticity MS patients endure has the ability to come and go, just as with other MS symptoms. The arm and leg muscles seem to be the most affected by this phenomenon, but occasionally facial muscles can be plagued by spasms as well. As the twitching increases, moving freely becomes more difficult. People with MS who have muscle spasms constantly know just how frustrating even the simplest task can be to perform.
Muscle spasms are the result of the scar tissue forming on nerve cells during demyelination. The myelin sheath covering nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are so riddled with lesions that the electrical impulses being sent to the muscles aren’t received in a balanced way. The imbalance created by inefficiently transmitted signals results in tense muscles and involuntary contractions. Any number of triggers can cause spasticity; infection, excessive temperatures, humidity, or tight clothing.
Diagnosing spasticity isn’t as simple as it may seem. The presence of muscle spasms needs to be evaluated by a doctor. Current medications will be taken into consideration to make sure they aren’t the culprits of the spasticity. A past medical history is gathered to rule out the possibility of muscular or neurological disorders that might be present among other family members. In conjunction with these two tactics, several tests are performed on muscles in the arms and legs. These tests check for range of motion, muscular activity, proper movements, and the patient’s ability to perform basic tasks.
Treatment for Spastic Muscles
Spasticity in MS patients is treated with medications, physical therapy, and surgery. Sometimes combinations of all these treatments are necessary to remediate muscle spasms. The doctor will have to consider the severity of the situation and the person’s overall condition before an acceptable and appropriate treatment can be suggested.
The doctor will need to find out if the spasticity is painful, affects independence or personal care, what treatments have already taken place, how much the patient is able to afford for care, which side effects might be possible, and if the benefits of the treatment will outweigh any risks that could occur.
Physical therapy is usually the initial option doctors prefer to try for spasticity Multiple Sclerosis patients can experience. Other than stretching exercises and muscle manipulation, occupational therapy could be added as well. This involves bracing, splinting, or casting the limb with spasticity to obtain a proper range of motion. Drugs used to treat spasticity MS patients might be subjected to include muscle relaxants, sleep medication, or a Botox injection into the affected muscle. The last resort treatment involves either of two types of surgery; rhizotomy or tenotomy. Most doctors only suggest surgery when other options have been exhausted.
