Reflex hyperexcitability and muscle contracture in relation to spastic hypertonia

Curr Opin Neurol. 1996 Dec;9(6):451-5. doi: 10.1097/00019052-199612000-00010.

Abstract

Mechanisms of spasticity and possible therapeutic interventions continue to dominate research into motor disorders following cerebral lesions. However, the accumulated evidence suggests that this focus on spasticity may be out of step with its effects. In contrast, hypertonia remains an important problem. Further investigation into its link with muscle contracture is required and it needs to be clearly distinguished from reflex hyperexcitability in patients with spasticity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Damage, Chronic / complications
  • Brain Damage, Chronic / physiopathology
  • Brain Damage, Chronic / therapy
  • Contracture / physiopathology*
  • Contracture / therapy
  • Humans
  • Motor Neuron Disease / physiopathology*
  • Motor Neuron Disease / therapy
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Muscle Hypertonia / physiopathology*
  • Muscle Hypertonia / therapy
  • Muscle Spasticity / physiopathology*
  • Muscle Spasticity / therapy
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation
  • Prognosis
  • Reflex, Abnormal / physiology*