A term applied to any condition showing increased muscle tone: for example, spastic gait, or spastic colon (see IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)). This is especially associated with some disease affecting the upper part of the NERVOUS SYSTEM connected with movement (upper neuron), so that its controlling influence is lost and the muscles become overexcitable. The term was used in the past to describe certain forms of CEREBRAL PALSY but this connotation is now regarded as offensive.