Poststroke Spasticity, Seen Too Late
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By
February 9, 2026
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4 min
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1
30-80% of stroke survivors experience spasticity.
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2
Early intervention can prevent complications.
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3
Botulinum toxin has strong evidence for early effectiveness.
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4
System-level changes needed for better awareness and access.
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5
Telehealth can improve access to specialist care.
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6
Spasticity may interfere with rehabilitation and cause pain.
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7
The Modified Ashworth Scale is limited in assessing spasticity.
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8
Comprehensive rehabilitation should start within 24-72 hours post-stroke.
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Poststroke spasticity affects 30% to 80% of stroke survivors in the US, translating to about 1.8 to 5.6 million individuals. Despite effective interventions, many patients only receive treatment after complications arise. The American Heart Association advocates for early identification and management, particularly within the first three months post-stroke. Effective interventions include early botulinum toxin administration, task-specific training, and functional electrical stimulation. System-level approaches are needed to improve clinician education, assessment pathways, and access to specialized care.
-
1
30-80% of stroke survivors experience spasticity.
-
2
Early intervention can prevent complications.
-
3
Botulinum toxin has strong evidence for early effectiveness.
-
4
System-level changes needed for better awareness and access.
-
5
Telehealth can improve access to specialist care.
-
6
Spasticity may interfere with rehabilitation and cause pain.
-
7
The Modified Ashworth Scale is limited in assessing spasticity.
-
8
Comprehensive rehabilitation should start within 24-72 hours post-stroke.
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