How are spasticity disorders treated?

Improving mobility and function may involve treatments that address nerves, tendons, muscles, bones, or some combination of these. There is not usually just one solution for each patient. The goal of a multidisciplinary approach is to develop the most effective plan through the consensus of multiple experts. A number of innovations have been made during the past couple of decades for the treatment of spasticity, and all are considered. For example, whereas intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin type A (Botox), which provides excellent but temporary muscle relaxation, may be sufficient for some children, others may need an implantable and programmable intrathecal baclofen pump, which delivers a muscle relaxant directly into the spinal fluid and provides continuous action. A child may benefit from a tendon release to improve range of motion, but their ability to improve function may also depend on physical therapy or physical therapy in combination with pharmacologic therapy, such as Botox injections or muscle relaxants.