Scientific statement focused on post-stroke spasticity urges early diagnosis, intervention for improved recovery

 What a pile of shit. Survivors want SPASTICITY CURED! Comeuppance is going to be a bitch when you are the 1 in 4 per WHO that has a stroke? Then you just might want 100% recovery. Survivors don't want your fucking 'improvement' or 'care' about spasticity; THEY WANT IT CURED! And somehow you don't understand that REQUIREMENT!

Scientific statement focused on post-stroke spasticity urges early diagnosis, intervention for improved recovery

by Steven Lee, University of Texas at San Antonio

edited by Stephanie Baum, reviewed by Andrew Zinin

 

 

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Spectrum of motor dysfunction in poststroke spasticity. Spasticity is narrowly defined as velocity-dependent hyperactivity after rapid muscle movement. The full syndrome of interacting deficits in patients with stroke includes impaired voluntary muscle control, involuntary muscle overactivation at rest (hypertonia) or with movement (hyperreflexia), and passive tissue remodeling. Credit: Stroke (2026). DOI: 10.1161/str.0000000000000515

For many stroke survivors, recovery is derailed by painful muscle stiffness and involuntary spasms that limit movement, independence, and quality of life. Often viewed as an unavoidable consequence of stroke, this condition—known as post-stroke spasticity—may instead represent a missed opportunity for earlier, more effective care(NOT RECOVERY!).

A new scientific statement focused on post-stroke spasticity urges a shift in how post-stroke spasticity is recognized and treated, emphasizing early diagnosis, timely intervention, and innovative therapies to reduce long-term disability and improve recovery after stroke. Two researchers at UT Health San Antonio led the statement writing group for the American Heart Association.

The work is published in the journal Stroke.

Post-stroke spasticity causes abnormal muscle tightness and involuntary spasms that can interfere with walking, arm use, daily activities, and participation in rehabilitation. It affects an estimated 30% to 80% of stroke survivors, contributing to higher health care costs, increased caregiver burden, and preventable complications, such as pain, joint contractures, and loss of mobility.

"I see patients every week whose recovery is limited not by the stroke itself, but by muscle stiffness and spasms that were never addressed early," said Sujani Bandela, MD, a neurologist at UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of The University of Texas at San Antonio. She also is vice chair of the Neural Repair and Rehabilitation Section at the American Academy of Neurology, first author of the Heart Association's scientific statement and vice chair of its writing group.

"When spasticity is recognized and treated sooner, we often have a real opportunity to preserve movement, reduce pain, and help patients stay engaged in their rehabilitation," added Bandela.

The heart association's scientific statement highlights growing evidence that earlier recognition—often within the first three months after a stroke—combined with coordinated rehabilitation and medical therapies may improve functional outcomes and reduce long-term disability. Yet many patients experience delayed diagnosis or receive little or no rehabilitation support, particularly in rural areas and communities with fewer resources.

"Advances in neuroscience, rehabilitation, and technology are giving us new tools to intervene earlier and more effectively after stroke," said senior author of the statement and chair of its writing group, Mark P. Goldberg, MD, professor of neurology and Edward B. LeWinn M.D. Memorial Chair at UT Health San Antonio, and chair-elect of the heart association's Rehabilitation and Recovery Committee within the Stroke Council.

"This scientific statement reflects the growing evidence that earlier, targeted approaches to spasticity could meaningfully improve long-term outcomes for stroke survivors."

The statement advises:

• Greater awareness among patients, caregivers, and health care professionals
• Proactive monitoring of patients at high risk of developing spasticity
• Coordinated, multidisciplinary care(NOT RECOVERY!) including rehabilitation and medical therapy
• Innovative care(NOT RECOVERY!) models, including telehealth, to improve access to specialized care(NOT RECOVERY!)

Access to specialized stroke rehabilitation remains limited in many parts of South Texas and other regions with fewer resources, contributing to persistent gaps in post-stroke recovery. Researchers note that expanding early spasticity care(NOT RECOVERY!) could help reduce long-term disability and improve quality of life for stroke survivors across the region.

"Stroke survivorship is increasing, but recovery is not equal for everyone," Goldberg said. "Improving early access to spasticity care(NOT RECOVERY!) is an important step toward better short- and long-term stroke recovery for all patients."

Goldberg is scheduled to present the statement at the association's International Stroke Conference 2026 in New Orleans on Friday, Feb. 6. Bandela is scheduled to present a course session with a group on spasticity and different case presentations.

Publication details

Sujani Bandela et al, Early Recognition and Intervention for Poststroke Spasticity: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association, Stroke (2026). DOI: 10.1161/str.0000000000000515