Dell Children’s Comprehensive Spasticity and Associated Syndromes of Movement (SPASM) Clinic

The Dell Children’s Comprehensive Spasticity and Associated Syndromes of Movement (SPASM) Clinic at the Pediatric Rehabilitation Center is a multidisciplinary clinic within UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s, a clinical partnership between Dell Children’s Medical Center and UT Health Austin.

The Dell Children’s Comprehensive SPASM Clinic diagnoses, treats, and manages the care of children and adolescents with spasticity (muscle tightness and stiffness), dystonia (uncontrollable muscle contractions), and other movement disorders. Your child will be seen by neurosurgery, pediatric rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy at the same time in the same visit. Our goal is to provide a thorough and interactive assessment so we can collaborate with you to determine the best plan of care for your child’s unique needs.

The Dell Children’s Comprehensive SPASM Clinic is the first interdisciplinary clinic of its kind serving Central Texas.

Through our clinical partnership with Dell Children's Medical Center, the UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s program contributes to Dell Children's national recognition as one of the country's best specialty programs for Neurology and Neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report in 2025-2026.

Patients are cared for by a dedicated interdisciplinary care team, meaning you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained pediatric clinicians have extensive experience in spasticity management and work alongside a team of pediatric experts, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and more, providing unparalleled care for patients every step of the way.

We collaborate closely with referring physicians and other partners in the community, including pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, to schedule and coordinate any additional care services your child may need. Treatment involves focusing on patient-specific symptoms, addressing underlying risk factors, and coordinating with other members of your child’s care team, including outpatient therapy support and school nurses. Our ultimate goal is to help your child manage or eliminate their symptoms so they can return to school and other normal activities and be as functionally independent as possible.

Before your child’s first appointment, our coordinator will call you to provide information about the clinic and discuss your child’s medical history. You may also be asked to fill out paperwork to make your child’s appointment as efficient as possible. During the appointment, your child will be evaluated by our physical therapist, occupational therapist, pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician, and pediatric neurosurgeon. Depending on your child’s needs, they may recommend function-enhancing interventions such as physical and occupational therapy, bracing, surgery, a baclofen pump, or botulinum toxin injections.

For more information about the Dell Children’s Comprehensive Spasticity and Associated Syndromes of Movement (SPASM) Clinic, please call 1-512-628-1893. You can also fax referrals to 1-512-380-4268.