Validity and Inter-Rater Reliability of a Novel Bedside Referral Tool for Spasticity

Two Vanderbilt primary care providers (a nurse practitioner and a primary care physician) will examine all consented residents. Each primary care provider will perform elements of a physical exam guided by the bedside referral tool to determine if a referral to a movement disorders neurologist is required for a spasticity consultation.

The subject will undergo elements of the neurological examination during which the movement disorders neurologist will look specifically for the presence of spasticity. If spasticity is found to be present during the examination, the neurologist will rate the severity of the spasticity in all affected limbs and record whether they would recommend treatment for spasticity, and if so, which treatment(s) they believe would be beneficial for the subject.