Prof. W. Zev Rymer
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, USA

Title: Spasticity: Mechanisms, Quantification, And Treatment

Abstract:

Spasticity, which is a disturbance of stretch reflex function, is a common and disabling complication of injury or disease of the brain or spinal cord. This presentation will review briefly our current ideas about the neurophysiological origins of this disorder, focusing on stroke and spinal cord injury as typical triggers for this problem. We will highlight the likelihood that the mechanisms responsible are different in each situation. Understanding this pathophysiology is an important prerequisite for accurate quantification of the severity of this disorder. Our presentation will review current methods for measuring spasticity, and describe major barriers faced in attempting to make accurate spasticity measurements in a routine clinical setting.

Finally, we will address current interventions for treating spasticity, including pharmacological treatments, physical therapy and the role of newer robotic devices, including robotic gait trainers and wearable exoskeletons.

Short CV:

Prof. Rymer received the M.B.B.S. degree from Melbourne University, Australia, in 1962. After residency training in internal medicine and neurology, he returned to graduate training and received the Ph.D. degree in neurophysiology from Monash University, Australia. After postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health and Johns Hopkins University Medical School, Baltimore, MD, he became an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Physiology at the State University of New York, Syracuse. In 1978, he became an Assistant Professor of Physiology at Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL. He now holds the John G. Searle Chair in Rehabilitation Research and is Vice President for Research at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, while also holding appointments as Professor of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University and at Hines VA, Hines, IL. He is also Director of the Medical Biomechanics Program at Northwestern University Medical School. His laboratory receives support from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Education (NIDRR), and the Veterans Administration.