Q. Which external factors may influence the severity of spasticity? Select Yes or No for each question below.
Q. Which external factors may influence the severity of spasticity? Select Yes or No for each question below.
Constipation/Bladder dysfunction – Yes – recognised to cause increased spasticity.
Underlying infection – Yes – underlying infections can increase spasticity and should be addressed.
Pain – Yes – pain contributes to spasticity. Good pain management can therefore assist in reducing spasticity.
Anxiety/Fear – Yes – anxiety and fear generally increase body tension and therefore can have a negative impact on spasticity.
Relaxation – Yes – relaxation is a useful modality for reducing tone.
Poor positioning – Yes – Poor positioning of the patient can increase muscle tension, pain and anxiety and can also cause pressure sores. All these factors can impact on the severity of spasticity.
Extremes of temperature – Yes – exposure to very hot or very cold conditions can negatively impact on spasticity, education of patients around this can help their self management.
Loose clothing – No – loose clothing should not increase spasticity. Tight fitting clothes may constrict movement and increase spasticity.
Intact skin – No – skin breakdown and pressure sores can increase spasticity. Spasticity itself can cause skin breakdown (e.g. a tight hand causing nails to dig into the skin of the palm) this situation left untreated can increase spasticity and creates a vicious cycle.
Page last reviewed: 22 Apr 2021
