Botulinum Toxin A And Task-specific Training For Hand Dystonia Due To 5 Year Old Stroke

Abstract

Focal hand dystonia after stroke, a result of maladaptive plasticity, impairs hand function, affects daily activities, and undermines independence. A 59-year male patient, who had developed focal hand dystonia after suffering from ischemic stroke 5 years ago, received training following an injection of Botulinum Toxin A (BoNTA). Task-specific training for a duration of 60 minutes per day for 3 days per week was provided for 12 weeks. Assessments were done by using arm dystonia disability scale, action research arm test, Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper extremity, and stroke-specific quality of life. Substantial improvement was observed in all the parameters, at short-term follow-up.