Spasticity
As the first and only clinic in Denmark, we offer treatment for spasticity in children and adults using ultrasound-guided cryoneurolysis.
Spasticity is often seen in people with neurological disorders, including stroke (blood clot in the brain or brain hemorrhage), traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Cerebral Palsy.
Spasticity can interfere with movement and posture, causing discomfort and pain, either at rest or during movement, which significantly reduces quality of life. If left untreated, spasticity can lead to contractures. A contracture is a reduced range of motion around a joint due to changes in the joint or the surrounding soft tissues, preventing normal movement of the joint, which can be highly inconvenient for the individual.
Cryoneurolysis is an innovative procedure for treating spasticity in children and adults.
The procedure works by freezing the nerves that cause muscles to contract.
What is Cryoneurolysis?
Cryoneurolysis is a non-surgical procedure where spasticity or pain is treated by targeted freezing of one or more nerves. The nerve’s function will regenerate over time. Cryoneurolysis removes overactive activity from specific nerves, which can be the cause of spasticity and pain.
Why choose Cryoneurolysis?
Compared to other treatments, cryoneurolysis has been shown to have a long-lasting effect. It has surgery-like results and involves no medication. The treatment focuses on reducing pain and spasticity.
Cryoneurolysis Procedure:
A needle, called a cryoprobe, is inserted under ultrasound guidance and using nerve stimulation near a targeted nerve. A container of nitrous oxide in a handheld device causes the freezing. By using water from the body’s cells to create an ice ball, the cryoprobe freezes the targeted nerve, which can then grow back.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
The most common side effects include:
- Bruising or swelling
- Bleeding at the injection site
- Cramping
- Tenderness
Patients have reported:
- Undesired numbness
- Nerve pain
- Weakness
- Temporary skin infection
PROCEDURE
BEFORE
Before the procedure, our team will measure the range of motion in the limb(s) to be treated with cryoneurolysis.
DURING
Pain, cramping, or burning nerve pain is expected during the procedure. However, this quickly subsides for most patients. Some patients experience dizziness.
AFTER
The patient can go home shortly after the procedure if everything is stable. The patient is likely to have bruising and some tenderness as the muscles adapt to their new range of motion. Follow-up with a physiotherapist is recommended after the procedure.