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 Years ago, a New Orleans man suffered a spine injury that left him with severe spasticity – a condition that caused the muscles in his legs to stiffen up to the point where he could barely move.
“My legs wouldn’t move,” Gerald Ford said. “I could not sit up or sit down.”
Spasticity results from either a disorder of or injury to the central nervous system. After a brain injury or spinal cord injury, or as a result of cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or stroke, the brain may not be able to send or receive messages important in producing smooth, well-controlled movement.
Spasticity can be very painful and can interfere with a person’s function or comfort. Everyday activities like walking, eating, dressing, or bathing can become time-consuming and difficult. When spasticity limits activity for long periods, additional medical problems such as joint stiffness, pressure sores, and pneumonia may develop.
Mr. Ford sought help from Andrea Toomer, M.D., a physical medicine specialist at Culicchia Neurological Clinic. Dr. Toomer prescribed a medication called Baclofen to help relax his muscles. Mr. Ford’s condition was so severe, Dr. Toomer said, it required a regular dose of Baclofen throughout the day, delivered via a tiny pump implanted in his body directly into the fluid surrounding his spinal cord. Neurosurgeon Erich Richter, M.D. inserted the pump during a two hour surgery at West Jefferson Medical Center in July.
Less than six months later, Mr. Ford is able to stand up straight. “Now my legs are moving a lot freer. Now I can stand up straight,” he said.
Mr. Ford’s wife, Michelle, says he is 100 percent and calls it a miracle.
 CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO ON SPASTICITY AND MR. FORD'S STORY.
Last date this page was modified 04/01/10.
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