Prevalence and Treatment Characteristics of Spastic Hypertonia on First-Time Admission to Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation

Objective The aim of the study was to report the prevalence of spasticity and treatment patterns during first-time admission to inpatient rehabilitation after acute stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Design This is a retrospective cohort study. Methods A review of 285 adult patients consecutively admitted to inpatient rehabilitation was conducted. Patients with a history of spasticity and inpatient rehabilitation course and those younger than 18 yrs were excluded. Main outcome measures are as follows: admitting diagnosis, length of stay, time from injury to admission, acute transfer rate, prevalence and severity of spasticity using Modified Ashworth Scale at admission and discharge, Functional Independence Measure scores at admission and discharge, Functional Independence Measure efficiency, and treatments for spasticity. Results Stroke patients had the highest prevalence of spasticity: 68% on admission and 50% at discharge. In traumatic brain injury, spasticity prevalence was 55% on admission and 30% at discharge. In spinal cord injury, spasticity prevalence was 48% on admission and 46% at discharge. Patients with spinal cord injury received the most medications to control spasticity, whereas those with traumatic brain injury and stroke received the most procedural interventions. Conclusions Spasticity is a common sequela of upper motor neuron injury for patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation. Early recognition and management are essential to prevent contractures, minimize pain, and maximize functional recovery.