What are spasms?

  Spasticity is an increase in muscle tone caused by hyperactivity of the detrusor reflex after upper motor neuron injury, clinically manifested as involuntary contraction of the involved skeletal muscle. Usually occurs 2 months after the injury, regardless of whether the random movement of the muscle is restored, below the level of injury can gradually restore its own reflex, this reflex is more hyperactive than before the injury, the hyperactivity of such normal reflexes, called spasticity, its clinical manifestations are increased muscle tone, deep reflex hyperactivity, paroxysmal spasms and muscle tonicity, etc. After the shock period of spinal cord injury, generally appeared first flexor spasm, about six months later, began to appear extensor spasm.  Effects of spasticity on the patient: The effects of spasticity on the patient are divided into two aspects.  The unfavorable aspects are: more severe spasticity may affect the patient’s respiratory function, sitting balance, detract from the completion of transfer movements, interfere with sleep and sex life, and cause pain.  The favorable aspects include: spasticity can slow down the rate of muscle atrophy; because spasticity makes muscle atrophy less obvious, the bone protrusion is less obvious, thus reducing the chance of pressure sores; because of the presence of paroxysmal spasticity, the purpose of muscle contraction to promote blood circulation can be achieved, which can prevent deep vein thrombosis; some patients can use spasticity to stand, transfer, and even walk.