[Management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy]

Abstract

Management of spasticity is a major challenge to the rehabilitation team. The initial management has centered on the elimination of externally exacerbating causes, physical therapy, splinting and casting. Medical management has centered on anti-spasticity medication use, but more recently focal treatment methods including phenol blocks and botulinum toxin have been utilized. There has been an increased use of intrathecal baclofen in the management of refractory tone. Dorsal rhizotomy has been advocated for a selective population of children with spasticity. There is no standardized approach to spasticity management and this paper will discuss the importance of evidence-based treatment of spasticity that is adapted for the individual child.