Intractable spasticity
The spasticity typical of cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis can be relieved without the unpleasant side effects from the powerful pharmaceutical drugs typically prescribed for this condition. Patients report that medical marijuana treatment is effective and increases their mobility.
Condition Overview
Spasticity is a condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted, resulting in stiffness that can interfere with normal movement, speech and the ability to walk. It is usually caused by damage to the portion of the brain or spinal cord that controls voluntary movement.
Spasticity is most typical of cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, but can also afflict patients with other conditions that affect the nervous system, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke and ALS.
When muscles are contracted continuously, it leads to pain and muscle spasms. Deformities of the muscle and joint are also possible. And the powerful drugs often prescribed to treat spasticity may lead to other complications.
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Interesting Fact
Spasticity affects more than 12 million people worldwide. That number includes about 80 percent of cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis patients.