Common Etiologies of Upper Extremity Spasticity

Abstract

Spasticity is a motor disorder that manifests as a component of the upper motor neuron syndrome. It is associated with paralysis and can cause significant disability. The most common causes leading to spasticity include stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy. This article discusses the pathophysiology and clinical findings associated with each of the most common etiologies of upper extremity spasticity.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; Cerebrovascular accident; Motor neuron syndrome; Spastic hypertonia; Spasticity; Spinal cord injury; Stroke; Upper extremity.