Spasticity: pathogenesis, clinical picture and treatment

Spasticity is a common syndrome in people with neurological diseases that affects mobility and causes serious complications. With the increase in patient survival after acute cerebrovascular accident, traumatic brain injury, decrease in infant mortality and increase in the incidence of childhood cerebral encephalopathy, high prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the population, the issue of spasticity has become acute. Spasticity significantly impairs the quality of life, complicates the rehabilitation of the patient and increases the cost of rehabilitation measures. According to various data, spasticity occurs in 30–500 people per 100,000 population. Due to the widespread prevalence of the problem, it is necessary to inform medical personnel and the population about the prevention and treatment of spasticity. Objective. To analyze, describe and critically interpret the latest scientific data on the clinical variability of spasticity and associated symptoms, various pathophysiological mechanisms and their significance for diagnosis and treatment. Updating the problems of spasticity among mid-level medical personnel and involving them in the prevention and treatment of spasticity. Results. The epidemiological, clinical and pathophysiological aspects, clinical and instrumental diagnostics, as well as physiotherapeutic, pharmacological and surgical approaches to the treatment of spasticity were considered. The information was updated for mid-level medical personnel, an emphasis was placed on the prevention of spasticity by mid-level and junior medical personnel. Conclusion. Spasticity treatment should always be considered as one of the measures in the patient’s rehabilitation process. The main provoking factors of spasticity can be minimized in the early stages of rehabilitation, including with the involvement of mid-level medical personnel in the process.