Spasticity in children and young people with non-progressive brain disorders: summary of NICE guidance

Spasticity is a form of hypertonia1 and is associated with conditions such as cerebral palsy, which affects 110 000 people in the United Kingdom.2 More than 2000 children born this year in the UK will develop spasticity, which, if unmanaged, will cause pain, affect quality of life, and may lead to complications requiring major surgery. Children and young people with spasticity need early referral to local services that will meet their individual needs and allow them access to the range of interventions that will encourage their motor development. This article summarises the most recent recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the management of spasticity in children and young people with non-progressive brain disorders, including those with cerebral palsy.3 NICE recommendations are based on systematic reviews of best available evidence and explicit consideration of cost effectiveness. When minimal evidence is available, recommendations are based on the Guideline Development Group’s experience and opinion of what constitutes good practice. Evidence levels for the recommendations are given in italic in square brackets. ### Principles of care #### Delivering care [ Both points based on the experience and opinion of the Guideline Development Group (GDG) ] #### Management programmes