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J Clin Outcomes Manage
2011 Jan;18(1):601-605
The human and economic burden of poststroke spasticity and muscle overactivity
Esquenazi A
ABSTRACT: Objective: To present an overview of the human and economic burden of poststroke spasticity and muscle overactivity. Methods: Literature review. Results: The burden of stroke for patients, their caregivers, and society is enormous. Stroke can result in markedly diminished quality of life (QOL), loss of productivity, and considerable economic costs. The subset of stroke patients who have poststroke spasticity experience additional burdens. Patients with poststroke spasticity represent at least 20% of all stroke patients. Poststroke spasticity can manifest in multiple ways, with potentially profound and detrimental effects on patient function and QOL. The risk of falling is higher among stroke patients than in the general population, and even higher in poststroke spasticity patients, with the consequent risk of fractures. Estimated direct costs for poststroke spasticity patients are 4 times higher than those for stroke patients without residual spasticity. Conclusion: The burden of poststroke spasticity is high in terms of treatment costs, QOL consequences, caregiver burden, and the effects of comorbidities such as falls and fractures.
Clinical Review Article
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