16/02/2026
Why does clonus happen in CP?
In cerebral palsy, there is damage to the brain areas that control movement (upper motor neuron lesion). Because of this:
Muscles become spastic (tight)
Reflexes become hyperactive
When a muscle is quickly stretched (like ankle dorsiflexion), it causes repeated beats → this is clonus
Management
Physiotherapy Management
Slow sustained stretching
Weight-bearing activities
Prolonged positioning
Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)
Gait training
💊 Medical Management (if severe)
Oral antispastic drugs (e.g., Baclofen)
Botulinum toxin injections
Selective dorsal rhizotomy (in selected cases)