Spasticity

The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form.  This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date.  If you receive this SMS, please update your details.

ConditionsConditions

There is no condition information for this clinic

Multi-disciplinary assessment and management of spasticity

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Scope

Where co-ordinated management of spasticity in a team environment will provide functional gains for the patient. Treatment options include:

  • Casting/Splinting
  • Therapy
  • Oral anti-spasticity medications
  • Botulinum Toxin A injections
  • Intrathecal baclofen infusion

Spasticity describes stiffness that occurs in muscles when there has been damage to nerves in the brain or spinal cord. Spasticity can lead to muscle shortening (contractures), spasms, changes in development and shape of bones and joints, and limitations of functional abilities.  Spasticity can also make caring for the individual more difficult for the caregivers.

If the acute post injury treatment was carried out in the south, then the follow up, at least in the initial phase is likely to be in the south as well.

Emergency conditions

There are no emergency criteria. If you feel the patient needs to be seen urgently, within the week, it is suggested you phone one of the consultants to discuss prior to faxing the referral.

Referral process

A referral (preferably faxed) is required for all new appointments and must conform to the Referral Standards as outlined on For Clinicians.

Specifically: relevant letters from specialists, issues, supportive history, functional capacity and private investigation results.

A referral is required for all new appointments and can be faxed directly to the clinic.

All referrals are triaged and allocated to consultant or unit registrar based on clinical priority. Registrar cases will be discussed with consultant.

Please indicate if an interpreter is required and for which language.  We will arrange this when booking the appointment.

If cognitive or language deficits are present it is essential the patient is accompanied by a friend or family member to provide the necessary collaborative history.

Clinic Appointments – Appointments are based on clinical priority:

Urgent / category 1

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review and the referral must be faxed.

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Semi-urgent / category 2

We will endeavour to see these patients within 12 weeks

Routine / category 3

Next available appointment

Referral template

For use by health professionals only

Additional information

For more information please see the Tasmanian Health Pathways website.