Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2008 , Vol 54 , Num 2

Management of Spasticity in Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury

Ayşe Nur Bardak 1 ,Belgin Erhan 2 ,Berrin Gündüz 2
1 İstanbul Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Eğitim Araştırma Hastanesi, İstanbul, Türkiye
2 İstanbul Fiziksel Tedavi Rehabilitasyon Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Kliniği, İstanbul, Türkiye

Spasticity affects approximately 50% of children with spinal cord injury. The objectives of treatment include improvement of function and mobility, prevention of secondary complications such as contracture and pressure sore, alleviation of pain, improvement of quality of life of both the patient and care giver. Spasticity can be beneficial and needs no   treatment. Prevention and relief of potential inciting factors are cornerstones of management.  Nonpharmacologic interventions, medication and invasive procedures are the alternative  management choices that can be applied for the spasiticity in children with spinal cord injury. 

Keywords : Pediatric spinal cord injury, spasticity management