Help For Those Who Suffer From Spasticity

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA)--Spasticity is a condition when certain muscles are continuously contracted. This contraction causes stiffness or tightness of the muscles and may interfere with movement, speech, and the way people walk. It can also be very painful.

More than half a million Americans suffer from the condition. It is often caused by cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord or brain injuries.

Treatment may include such medications as baclofen, diazepam, tizanidine or clonazepam. Physical therapy is also part of the treatment process--this may include muscle stretching and range of motion exercises to help prevent shrinkage or shortening of muscles and to reduce the severity of symptoms. Surgery may be recommended for tendon release or to sever the nerve-muscle pathway.

On Tuesday, June 9 Georgetown University Hospital is offering a free lecture on treatments for Spasticity--including the Baclofen pump. According to a news release by the hospital the pump, "May provide better movement and control with fewer side effects, more accurate dosing and better relief than current methods of treatment."

Here is the lecture information:

Georgetown University Hospital/Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center

6pm-7:30pm Program with Q&A

7:30pm-8pm Refreshments

While attendance is free, registration is required. You can call 202-342-2400 or click here to register online.