Effective Collaboration between Physician and Occupational Therapist in the Management of Upper Limb Spasticity after Stroke

Abstract

Spasticity is a common poststroke complication that can interfere with functional improvement. Clinically, spasticity is easy to recognize but can be difficult to quantify and treat. The pathophysiology of spasticity is complex and controversial, which makes research in this area very challenging. Effective management depends on careful assessment, patient-specific goals, and an interdisciplinary treatment approach. This article reviews how neurolytic blocking agents and conventional occupational therapy interventions may be used alone and in combination to manage effectively upper limb spasticity after stroke.

Keywords:

• Botulinum Toxin A
• hemiplegia
• neurolytic blocking agents
• occupational therapy
• spasticity