S PA S T I C I T Y BY BEN OWENS
Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and can also be caused by diseases and conditions such as cerebral palsy and strokes or as a result of nerve trauma.1 Spasticity causes muscle stiffness and spasms that can be debilitating and affect quality of life. THC and CBD have been shown to be an effective treatment for spasticity in early studies.2,3
According to NINDS, symptoms include “Hypertonicity (increased muscle tone), clonus (a series of rapid muscle contractions), exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, muscle spasms, scissoring (involuntary crossing of the legs), and fixed joints (contractures).”1 These symptoms can lead to negative emotional issues, make regular tasks difficult and make social settings hard to handle. Spasticity “often interferes with daily activities.”1
DIS-LIST
Spasticity is defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) as “A condition in which there is an abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness of muscle, which might interfere with movement, speech, or be associated
with discomfort or pain.”1 It is typically a result of brain and/or spinal nerve damage like that caused by MS, and is one of the most common symptoms of MS.
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