Symptom 2: Spasticity
The term ‘spasticity’ may not be common in everyday vocabulary, but for those living with PLS, it’s a daily reality. Spasticity is a state of increased muscle tone or stiffness and is a defining symptom of PLS. It isn’t confined to one specific part of the body and can affect different muscle groups.
People living with PLS may notice a sudden stiffness in their muscles that was not present before. This rigidity can affect any muscle group but is commonly observed in the arms, legs, and torso. The severity and frequency of these symptoms can vary widely from person to person, contributing to the complexity of diagnosing PLS.
This involuntary muscle tightness can create several challenges for affected individuals. Simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt, opening a jar, or even holding a glass of water can become increasingly difficult. The muscle stiffness may also affect speech and swallowing, potentially leading to communication difficulties and nutritional concerns.
What differentiates spasticity in PLS from muscle stiffness due to other causes is its persistence. A person experiencing spasticity due to PLS may find that their symptoms do not lessen with rest, heat, or other common interventions for muscle stiffness.
In dealing with spasticity, a patient’s healthcare team may recommend a range of therapies including physical therapy, medications, and in some severe cases, surgical intervention. Despite these challenges, it’s important to remember that each person’s experience with PLS is unique and a personalized care plan can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. (2)
