What is spasticity?

Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Holly Timms , Felicia Wong | Published: 21 November 2017 | Updated: ~

Cartoon muscle fibre with zigzags to symbolize pain

Spasticity is a movement control disorder that happens when the brain and spinal cord are damaged or do not develop properly. It is usually experienced as involuntary muscle spasms, increased muscle tone, and overactive reflexes.

Spasticity is a common symptom of SCI that can affect as many as three-quarters of people with SCI. It is more common among people with cervical and incomplete SCI. Spasticity can also be a symptom of other conditions like brain injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.