Spasticity in multiple sclerosis and role of glatiramer acetate treatment

Introduction Spasticity is one of the most disabling and difficult‐to‐treat symptoms shown by patients with multiple sclerosis, who often show a suboptimal and unsatisfactory response to classic treatment and new available nonpharmacological alternatives. Due to the progressive nature of this condition, the early management should be essential to improve long‐term outcomes. Methods We performed a narrative literature review of the contribution of spasticity to the burden of multiple sclerosis and the potential role of classic disease‐modifying drugs. Results Added to the underlying pathophysiology of spasticity, certain external factors and drugs such as interferon may exacerbate the existing condition, hence their awareness is crucial as part of an effective management of spasticity. Furthermore, the evidence for the effectiveness of glatiramer acetate in preventing spasticity in naïve patients and in those switching from interferon should not be ignored. Conclusions This literature review proposes the examination of spasticity and the influence of classic disease‐modifying agents on the level of existing condition among the variables to be considered when deciding on therapy for multiple sclerosis in clinical practice. The management of spasticity in multiple sclerosis is complex and, therefore, constitutes a challenge for neurologists. As part of an effective spasticity management, the awareness or even the elimination of externally exacerbating factors is considered as crucial. The evidence, although limited and well recognized, of worsening spasticity after interferon should be not ignored, nor the effectiveness GA shows in preventing spasticity when deciding on therapy for MS in clinical practice.