Spasticity and Dystonia Surgery
Overview
Spasticity and dystonia are similar in that both are manifestations of neurological dysfunction and resemble
each other, but they are distinctly different conditions.
Spasticity is characterized by prolonged muscle stiffness or contraction. It often results from damage to the
brain, spinal cord, or motor nerves and is commonly seen in conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic
brain injury, or multiple sclerosis.
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by muscle contractions that cause repeated, uncontrollable
movements. The muscle spasms can be mild or severe.
When these conditions are severe and do not respond adequately to medications or therapy, surgical interventions may
be considered to improve mobility, relieve pain, and enhance quality of life.
Diagnosis
Some of the key diagnostic tests include:
- Detailed clinical evaluation of muscle tone, motor function, etc.
- MRI and CT scan of the brain and spine to assess underlying structural causes.
- Electromyography (EMG) to evaluate electrical activity within muscles.
- Genetic Testing
Causes
Severe head injury can sometimes cause internal brain damage that leads to either spasticity or dystonia.
However, other causes include:
- Spasticity: Spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, etc.
- Dystonia: Brain tumors, Parkinson’s Disease, genetic conditions such as Wilson’s disease, and certain
infections.
Treatment
Surgical intervention for spasticity and dystonia is usually considered when conservative methods such as oral
medications, physical therapy, and botulinum toxin injections are no longer effective in controlling symptoms or
improving quality of life.
The choice of surgery depends on the underlying cause, severity, and symptoms. Our multidisciplinary team of
physicians, nurses, therapists, and surgeons will work together to determine which combination of the following
interventions is the most appropriate for your child:
- Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR): Primarily used in children with spastic cerebral palsy. During the
procedure, the neurosurgeon identifies, isolates, and cuts nerves that transfer contraction messages to affected
muscles, preserving other motor and sensory functions.
- Intrathecal Therapy: Used for spasticity or dystonia unresponsive to oral medications. A small pump is
implanted in the abdomen and delivers baclofen directly into the spinal fluid via a catheter.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Most effective for dystonia. Electrodes are implanted deep within specific
brain areas, and a pulse generator under the skin in the chest sends continuous stimulation to modulate abnormal
brain activity.
Combined and Multidisciplinary Approach
Often, patients benefit most from a customized treatment plan that combines one or more surgical interventions with:
- Medication management
- Botulinum toxin injections
- Intensive rehabilitation therapy
- Speech and occupational therapy if needed
Why Choose Us?
- Highly experienced team of pediatric neurosurgeons specializing in spasticity and dystonia surgeries.
- Multidisciplinary team working closely with neurosurgeons, neurologists, and therapists, etc.
- Child-centric compassionate approach to create a child-friendly environment that helps young patients
feel at ease throughout their treatment journey.
- Rehabilitation approach includes well-trained physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists to provide
a complete spectrum of care.
- 24/7 Emergency Care ensures immediate and expert intervention when needed.
..
Overview
Spasticity and dystonia are similar in that both are manifestations of neurological dysfunction and resemble
each other, but they are distinctly different conditions.
Spasticity is characterized by prolonged muscle stiffness or contraction. It often results from damage to the
brain, spinal cord, or motor nerves and is commonly seen in conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic
brain injury, or multiple sclerosis.
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by muscle contractions that cause repeated, uncontrollable
movements. The muscle spasms can be mild or severe.
When these conditions are severe and do not respond adequately to medications or therapy, surgical interventions may
be considered to improve mobility, relieve pain, and enhance quality of life.
Diagnosis
Some of the key diagnostic tests include:
- Detailed clinical evaluation of muscle tone, motor function, etc.
- MRI and CT scan of the brain and spine to assess underlying structural causes.
- Electromyography (EMG) to evaluate electrical activity within muscles.
- Genetic Testing
Causes
Severe head injury can sometimes cause internal brain damage that leads to either spasticity or dystonia.
However, other causes include:
- Spasticity: Spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, etc.
- Dystonia: Brain tumors, Parkinson’s Disease, genetic conditions such as Wilson’s disease, and certain
infections.
Treatment
Surgical intervention for spasticity and dystonia is usually considered when conservative methods such as oral
medications, physical therapy, and botulinum toxin injections are no longer effective in controlling symptoms or
improving quality of life.
The choice of surgery depends on the underlying cause, severity, and symptoms. Our multidisciplinary team of
physicians, nurses, therapists, and surgeons will work together to determine which combination of the following
interventions is the most appropriate for your child:
- Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR): Primarily used in children with spastic cerebral palsy. During the
procedure, the neurosurgeon identifies, isolates, and cuts nerves that transfer contraction messages to affected
muscles, preserving other motor and sensory functions.
- Intrathecal Therapy: Used for spasticity or dystonia unresponsive to oral medications. A small pump is
implanted in the abdomen and delivers baclofen directly into the spinal fluid via a catheter.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Most effective for dystonia. Electrodes are implanted deep within specific
brain areas, and a pulse generator under the skin in the chest sends continuous stimulation to modulate abnormal
brain activity.
Combined and Multidisciplinary Approach
Often, patients benefit most from a customized treatment plan that combines one or more surgical interventions with:
- Medication management
- Botulinum toxin injections
- Intensive rehabilitation therapy
- Speech and occupational therapy if needed
Why Choose Us?
- Highly experienced team of pediatric neurosurgeons specializing in spasticity and dystonia surgeries.
- Multidisciplinary team working closely with neurosurgeons, neurologists, and therapists, etc.
- Child-centric compassionate approach to create a child-friendly environment that helps young patients
feel at ease throughout their treatment journey.
- Rehabilitation approach includes well-trained physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists to provide
a complete spectrum of care.
- 24/7 Emergency Care ensures immediate and expert intervention when needed.