These could include the use of special pressure relieving mattresses and seats in patients at risk of developing pressure sores, or the prescription of regular laxatives for patients at risk of becoming constipated. Physiotherapists can provide important advice regarding appropriate sitting positions, motion and stretching exercises, and recognition of limb fractures. Everyday care often falls on family and friends, which may prove to be an emotional and financial strain. Education of both carers and patients is important. Carers provide valuable opinions concerning progress and may be the first to spot worsening spasticity.
Spasticity is often only one of the problems associated with a patient's disease.
Therefore, it should not be treated in isolation. Co-existing conditions and diseases must also be considered. For example, in patients with Parkinson's disease baclofen may interfere with dopamine metabolism, so concurrent use with levodopa should be avoided. Baclofen may also lower the seizure threshold, so caution must be taken in treating patients with epilepsy. Pharmacists have an important role and responsibility to their patients in detecting and preventing adverse effects.