Spasticity Clinic

Spasticity is a form of abnormal muscle over activity that happens when damage to the central nervous system disrupts communication between the brain and spinal cord. People diagnosed with spasticity experience muscle stiffness, painful spasms, weakness, fatigue, poor coordination and loss of feeling that makes it hard to walk and take part in normal daily activities, like bathing, eating and even sleeping. Spasticity is generally caused by a number of different conditions, including:

  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Stroke
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Hereditary spastic paraparesis (progressive weakness and stiffness of the legs)

Our patients receive a customized treatment plan that sets the foundation for ongoing care that includes a range of state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, such as:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Oral Medication management
  • Botulinum Toxin Injections
  • Ultrasound and EMG guided injections for pain.
  • Intrathecal Baclofen pumps
  • Surgical referrals for tendon and muscle lengthening.

Montefiore is one of only a handful of medical centers in the New York metropolitan area to manage the use of the Intrathecal Baclofen pump, one of the more advanced therapies for those with severe spasticity.

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can provide great relief, particularly when spasticity involves more than one limb or doesn’t respond well to oral medications. Once surgically implanted, the pump administers precisely targeted medication that in most cases results in substantial relief. Please call us for information on this innovative therapy.