Abstract
Many types of cerebral palsy (CP) develop from spastic syndrome. Spastic syndrome presents with limited ability of selective movement, abnormal position of the extremities, disturbed muscle coordination, associated movements, clonus and stereotypical synergistic movement patterns.
Spastic signs disturb specifically spontaneous movements of the infant (postural activity) as well as primitive reflexes and postural reactions. CP forms originally developing from spastic syndrome can further be categorized to several subtypes each presenting with different prognosis, different risk of contractures and joint deformities but also different response to the same therapeutic (conservative and surgical) procedures.
Spasticity as well as any other type of muscle tonus disturbance typically affects movement patterns. Therefore, we consider movement pattern assessment to be much more appropriate type of clinical assessment then palpation.
Physiotherapy procedures, prosthetic aids, medication including local botulinum toxin application and surgical procedures can be used to reduce spasticity. Highly skilled and experienced multi-disciplinary team is requited to treat spasticity and CP effectively.