New Developments in the Surgery for Spasticity.

Abstract

We still base spasticity management on rehabilitation and lesional surgical procedures. These techniques have been well-studied, and long-term follow-up data is available. However, we can still not treat the cause of the spasticity with any of these modalities, and advances in neuromodulation and genetic therapies are promising this in the future. In this chapter, the author describes the new developments in spasticity surgery. The focus is on advances in lesioning techniques, neuromodulation strategies-cerebral, spinal, and peripheral techniques-and genetic and stem cell research. There is still no conclusive evidence showing better outcomes and improved long-term data than our current medication and lesion-based approach, but as the technology improves, this may change. We hope to reach a point where we aim to care for patients with spasticity at the individual cause of each person's spasticity and cure them.