Current Approaches to Practical Comprehensive Spasticity Management

CHAIR

PRESENTERS

DESCRIPTION

Spasticity, part of the Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome is a difficult and often ignored finding in the brain injury population. It can limit recovery, function and increase morbidity. Oral medications are often cognitively impairing with limited functional benefit. The use of toxins and intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps in particular, has dramatically changed our approach to treatment, offering greater opportunity for a positive impact on our patients’ function, in the acute and late settings. Intrathecal baclofen therapy in spasticity and spastic dystonia, while dramatically effective, remains an underutilized treatment option. None of these treatments can be maximized without appropriate identification of treatment goals and an understanding of therapy options and approaches.

This course will address considerations in identification of treatment goals, the role of oral medications, utilization of botulinum toxins, intrathecal baclofen pumps and philosophies of therapy, as they influence recovery and long term function.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

To consider the pros and cons of oral medications in the management of spasticity.
To discuss considerations and techniques for the injection of botulinum toxin injections.
To understand indications and management concepts for successful management of intrathecal baclofen therapy.
To discuss how current treatments can be effectively combined and integrated.

Supported through medical education grants by