Post-traumatic spasticity

Overview

Post-traumatic spasticity is a condition in which certain muscles become involuntarily stiff, tight, or overactive following a brain or spinal cord injury. This can make movement difficult, limit mobility, and affect quality of life.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide consultant-led inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults living with post-traumatic spasticity. Our specialist team helps individuals reduce discomfort, improve movement, and regain control over daily activities.

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What Is Spasticity?

Spasticity is caused by damage to the part of the central nervous system (brain or spinal cord) that controls voluntary movement. After a traumatic injury, the signals between the brain and muscles can become disrupted, leading to increased muscle tone and exaggerated reflexes.

Spasticity may be:

• Localised (affecting a specific limb or group of muscles)
• Generalised (involving multiple limbs or regions)
• Mild and occasional, or severe and disabling

It can affect both upper and lower limbs and is often seen in people recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or spinal cord injury.

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Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Spasticity

Symptoms vary in severity and distribution but commonly include:

• Muscle stiffness or tightness
• Involuntary jerking or spasms
• Abnormal limb positions (e.g. clenched fist or flexed elbow)
• Difficulty moving or walking
• Pain or discomfort, particularly at night
• Difficulty with personal care (e.g. dressing, hygiene)
• Contractures (shortening of muscles or tendons over time)

Spasticity can interfere with rehabilitation and daily function if not managed appropriately.

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Causes of Post-Traumatic Spasticity

Post-traumatic spasticity typically arises from:

• Traumatic brain injury (moderate to severe)
• Diffuse axonal injury
• Spinal cord injury, especially at cervical or thoracic levels
• Post-stroke neurological changes
• Hydrocephalus or secondary brain complications

It may appear weeks or months after the injury and can fluctuate depending on fatigue, infection, or stress.

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Diagnosis and Assessment

Diagnosis is clinical and may involve:

• Neurological examination to assess tone, reflexes and strength
• Functional assessments of movement and daily living
• Input from physiotherapy and neurorehabilitation specialists
• Tools like the Modified Ashworth Scale to grade severity

Accurate assessment is crucial to develop a personalised treatment plan.

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Rehabilitation at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We offer comprehensive inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults with post-traumatic spasticity. Our approach is tailored to the individual’s goals, medical history, and level of function.

Key services include:

Physiotherapy

• Stretching and positioning routines
• Functional movement training
• Strengthening of unaffected muscles
• Gait and balance re-education
• Spasticity management using hands-on techniques

Occupational Therapy

• Splinting and orthotic management
• Seating and posture support
• Strategies for dressing, feeding, and hygiene
• Advice on environmental adaptations at home

Neuropsychology

• Support for frustration, low mood or anxiety
• Goal setting and motivation
• Adjustment to changes in body function

Speech and Language Therapy (if relevant)

• Support for oral motor spasticity (e.g. jaw, tongue)
• Communication aids and strategies

Specialist Nursing Care

• Medication support (e.g. oral antispasmodics)
• Monitoring for pain, skin breakdown or urinary issues
• Coordinated therapy planning across the care team

If clinically appropriate, we work with referrers to explore options such as botulinum toxin injections or referrals for intrathecal baclofen therapy, although we do not provide these interventions on site.

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Who We Help

We support adults (18+) who:

• Are recovering from a traumatic brain or spinal injury
• Are experiencing new or long-standing spasticity
• Need coordinated therapy to manage symptoms and regain function
• May have other impairments affecting speech, cognition or mobility

Call 01296 678800 or enquire online to speak with our admissions team.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Extensive experience in complex neurorehabilitation
• Therapy delivered 7 days a week in a structured, private setting
• Individualised goals with clear outcome tracking
• Multidisciplinary team working collaboratively on every case
• Discharge planning and support for long-term management