All images in this section are for illustration purposes only. Not actual patients or caregivers.

All images in this section are for illustration purposes only. Not actual patients or caregivers.

Upper Limb Spasticity (excluding spasticity caused by
cerebral palsy) in Pediatrics

What Is Upper Limb Spasticity
in Pediatrics?

Upper Limb Spasticity

Affecting the arms, specifically the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand muscles

Increase in muscle tension causing tightness, stiffness, or uncontrollable pull of muscles

Symptoms1,2

  • Muscle stiffness (known as hypertonia)
    • Muscles become overactive and tense
  • Limited range of movement
    • Difficulty moving
    • Limitations in performing daily activities
  • Reduced ability to relax muscles
  • Muscle spasms
  • Changes in limb position
  • Pain

5 Common Patterns2

blue background Flexed elbow

Flexed elbow

blue background Bent wrist

Bent wrist

blue background Pronated forearm

Pronated forearm

blue background Clenched fist

Clenched fist

blue background Thumb-in-palm

Thumb-in-palm

References

  1. Differential diagnosis for spasticity. NeuroRehab Resource website. http://www.neurorehabresource.org/Files/NRR_Differential_Diagnosis.pdf. Accessed June 18, 2021.
  2. Spasticity. American Association of Neurological Surgeons website. https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Spasticity. Accessed June 18, 2021.