Evaluation and primary management of spasticity.

Spasticity is often a lifelong manifestation of central nervous system damage in adults with upper motor neuron lesions. Practitioners who initiate the management of spasticity when damage occurs are more likely to offer the patient a life without permanent joint deformity. Spasticity may be helpful or harmful to the patient, but in either event warrants a careful assessment and management plan based upon current health care concepts. Two general intervention principles and three specific intervention measures, including the use of medication, are discussed.