Association of spasticity and life satisfaction after spinal cord injury

Abstract

ObjectiveTo identify the relationship between spasticity and life satisfaction as measured by 3 multi-item factor scales and a rating of overall quality of life among participants with spinal cord injury (SCI).Study DesignCross-sectional survey; secondary analysis of existing data by linear regression analysis between spasticity and quality of life.SettingLarge specialty hospital in the Southeastern United States.MethodsParticipants included 1,549 adults with traumatic spinal cord injuries, at least 18 years of age and a minimum of 1 year post-injury at survey. Outcome measures included: (1) Home Life Satisfaction, (2) Global Satisfaction, (3) Vocational Satisfaction, (4) Overall Quality of Life and (5) three subscales from the Patient Reported Impact of Spasticity Measure.ResultsThree aspects of spasticity (Daily Activities, Positive Impact, and spasticity at its worst) all were negatively correlated with Home Life Satisfaction, Global Satisfaction, and Overall Quality of Life. Only the Daily Activities scale and the spasticity at its worst rating had a significant negative correlation with Vocational Satisfaction.ConclusionSpasticity is negatively associated with quality of life after SCI. These negative outcomes need to be considered in an individual’s rehabilitation and treatment methods.

Secondary complications and associated injuries in traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury patients

“…Pressure ulcers was found in 9.9% of the non-traumatic SCI patients and in 17.6% of the traumatic SCI patients. Another study reported this ratio to be 31.3% in the non-traumatic SCI patients and in the traumatic SCI group, it has been reported to be 41.8% and 23.7% (17,18).…”

Neuropathic pain and spasticity: intricate consequences of spinal cord injury

“…1 These common disabling conditions negatively affect mood, sleep, quality of life, and participation in activities and active recreation as well as employment. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Neuropathic pain is present in 50-60% and spasticity in about 70% of individuals living with a SCI. 5,[8][9][10][11] Neuropathic pain is a multidimensional constellation of phenomenologically different symptoms and is defined as 'pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system'.…”

Neuromodulation for Spasticity and Dystonia

“…In a study of 1549 adults with SCI, Westerkam et al. evaluated multiple measures of life satisfaction and demonstrated that spasticity is negatively correlated with quality of life after SCI . Henze et al.…”