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.
"Open Arms" Campaign Launched
|
National Stroke Association is excited to be part of “Open Arms: Raising Awareness of Upper Limb Spasticity,” a new educational campaign about upper limb spasticity. The campaign includes a coalition of national patient advocacy organizations and legendary actor Henry Winkler, who cared for his mother as she struggled with upper limb spasticity following a stroke. We proudly join this campaign in the hopes of spreading awareness about the condition and to provide education and support to stroke survivors and their families.
Visit http://www.openarmscampaign.com/ for educational resources, including patient videos and a doctor finder. |
Content Updated: May 2010.
|
