Spasticity Management

Expert-Led Care in Spasticity Management

Westmead Rehabilitation Hospital offers specialised care through its Spasticity Clinic, led by Associate Professor Ian Baguley, an internationally recognised authority in brain injury rehabilitation and treatment of spasticity.

People who have had a stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, and many other disorders of the central nervous system often present with problems controlling muscles. These fall into two broad camps:

• muscles that won’t switch on when you want them to (resulting in weakness and reduced dexterity) and
• muscles that won’t relax when you want them to (termed ‘spasticity’).

Weak muscles are usually treated with therapy programs, especially in the early stages. ‘Spasticity’ presents as muscle stiffness, involuntary contractions, impaired mobility, and reduced hand function. This can lead to reduced independence, pain, and reduced quality of life.

Multidisciplinary Clinical Team

Both sets of problems are treated with comprehensive, evidence-based treatment tailored to each patient’s needs. Under A/Prof Baguley’s leadership, our multidisciplinary team includes:

• Rehabilitation Physicians
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational Therapists

Together, the clinic delivers coordinated care plans that may involve:

• Functional goal setting and progress tracking
• Physical rehabilitation
• Orthotic and assistive device support
• Medical management: oral medications, botulinum toxin A injections, Intrathecal baclofen therapy

Our goal is to reduce muscle tone abnormalities, improve functional movement, and enhance overall quality of life.