Spasticity and Paralysis

REGAINING INDEPENDENCE

Understanding Paralysis and Spasticity

Paralysis is the inability of a muscle or group of muscles to move voluntarily. When messages from the brain to the muscles don't work properly due to a stroke, a limb becomes paralyzed or develops a condition called spasticity.

Spasticity is tight, stiff muscles that make movement, especially of the arms or legs, difficult or uncontrollable. Characteristics of the condition can include any of the following: a tight fist, bent elbow, arm pressed against the chest, stiff knee and/or pointed foot that can interfere with walking. These long periods of forceful contractions in major muscle groups can cause painful muscle spasms. The spasms produce a pain similar to athletic cramping.

Are you living with spasticity related to a stroke?
If yes, National Stroke Association and WE MOVE would like to hear from you.

Click here to participate in a short survey about spasticity.

Content Updated: May 2009