Poststroke Spasticity, Seen Too Late

New guidance from the American Heart Association addresses delayed recognition of poststroke spasticity and outlines opportunities to improve timing of rehabilitation care.

By
Kathryn Wighton
February 9, 2026
4 min

MDSpire News

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Poststroke spasticity affects 30% to 80% of stroke survivors, translating to 1.8 to 5.6 million people in the US.
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Many patients do not receive treatment for spasticity until complications are established, despite effective interventions being available.
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Early identification and management within the first 3 months post-stroke are crucial for reducing disability and healthcare costs.
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Evidence supports early botulinum toxin use, which significantly reduces involuntary muscle activation and improves functional outcomes.
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Improving clinician education and access to specialized care can help close gaps in recognition and treatment of poststroke spasticity.

Poststroke Spasticity, Seen Too Late

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Original Source(s)

Poststroke Spasticity, Seen Too Late

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