Spasticity is stiff or rigid muscles. It may also be called
unusual "tightness" or increased muscle tone. Reflexes (for
example, a knee-jerk reflex) are stronger or exaggerated. The
condition can interfere with walking, movement, or speech. See
also: Muscle cramps Muscle stiffness; Hypertonia Spasticity is
usually caused by damage to the part of the brain that is
involved in movements under your control. It may also occur from
damage to the nerves that go from the brain to the spinal cord.
Symptoms of spasticity include: - Abnormal posture - Carrying
the shouler, arm, wrist, and finger at an abnormal angle because
of muscle tightness - Exaggerated deep tendon reflexes (the
knee-jerk or other reflexes) - Repetitive jerky motions
(clonus), especially when you are touched or moved - Scissoring
(crossing of the legs as the tips of scissors would close)
Spasticity may also affect speech. Severe, long-term spasticity
may lead to contracture of muscles, which can reduce range of
motion or leave the joints bent. This