Velocity-dependent increase in the response to muscle stretch, forming part of the upper motor neuron syndrome.
Pathology
Mechanism and manifestations
It may accompany spinal cord injury, stroke or other central disorders. Stiffness, spasms and limitations can coexist, but a structural contracture or pain-related guarding is not automatically spasticity.
Diagnosis and management
Assessment considers functional effects and aggravating factors. Rehabilitation, positioning and targeted medical treatments are selected according to need. A new increase may signal infection, skin problems or another treatable cause.
Points to consider
A neurological syndrome describes a pattern; its cause, level and evolution still need investigation. Functional consequences may change over time. New or rapidly worsening deficits need hospital assessment even when a neurological diagnosis is already known.
Role of TAGMED care
This condition first requires medical diagnosis and, depending on the situation, specialist management. TAGMED services do not replace treatment of infection or tumor, stabilization of an unstable injury, or neurological or vascular treatment. Any conservative support should be considered only after diagnosis, restrictions and the treating team’s recommendations have been clarified.
Related concepts and distinctions
These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.
- Autonomic dysreflexia — Episode of autonomic overactivity causing potentially dangerous blood-pressure elevation in some people with spinal cord injury, often at or above T6.
- Paraplegia — Motor impairment affecting the lower limbs, generally related to neurological injury, with variable severity and residual function.
- Neurogenic shock — Acute circulatory state caused by loss of sympathetic control, potentially combining hypotension and bradycardia after some high spinal cord injuries.
Conceptual guide: Spasticity. Blocks summarize useful relationships; they are not an individual anatomical image.
Medical references
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Spinal Cord Injury.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus. Spinal Cord Injuries.
References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.
Educational information from The Spine Page. This entry does not replace an individual assessment. Documentary version: October 13, 2026. Sylvain Desforges, B.Sc., D.O., N.D., osteopath and naturopath.
TAGMED clinic contact details
For non-urgent consultations and information about available services.
Clinique TAGMED — Terrebonne
1150, rue Lévis, Suite 200
Terrebonne (Québec) J6W 5S6
450‑704‑4447
Clinique TAGMED — Montréal
1140, avenue Beaumont
Mont-Royal (Québec) H3P 3E5
1‑877‑672‑9060