Spasticity is a common symptom in MS and other neurological diseases. Spasticity can be experienced as muscle tightness that can be painful or muscle spasms. As with any symptom, spasticity is best managed with a multi-disciplinary approach that includes both medication and non-pharmacological approaches.
Intramuscular Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum toxin injections can help with spasticity in some patients. The medication is injected directly into the muscles that are affected by spasticity. The procedure is quick, and there tends to be very well-tolerated. It typically takes 5-10 days for the medication to start working, and the therapeutic effect lasts for 2-3 months. Retreatment can be safely undertaken as often as every 3 months. At your first visit, you will be treated with a low dose of botulinum toxin and your response assessed over the next several weeks.
Intrathecal Baclofen (ITB)
The ITB Program at UCSF is a multidisciplinary team effort, which provides up-to-date, comprehensive care for the management of spasticity. Please contact our team to learn more.