Botulinum toxin injection and rehabilitation for neurosurgical patients with spasticity

Abstract

Aim: Spasticity gives rise to impairment in motor functions and activities of daily living. Botulinum toxin (BTX) can be injected to temporarily paralyze the affected muscles, which provides a window of opportunity for rehabilitation. We present our 2.5-year experience with BTX injection and a patient-specific rehabilitation program provided by a multidisciplinary team, which consists of neurosurgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and prosthetic orthotists. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data in a local hospital including 22 patients suffering from spasticity. Outcome measures include goal attainment, caregiver burden and biomechanical assessment by Modified Ashworth Scale and Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). Results: OnabotulinumtoxinA injection together with rehabilitation facilitates the attainment of patientcentred physical goals in daily activities. It reduces caregiver burden. Spasticity is reduced particularly for finger and wrist flexors as well as hip adductors. Responses of ankle plantarflexors are less satisfactory which may be due to inadequate dosages. Initial improvement in the R2 component of the MTS for ankle plantarflexors and hip adductors may be attributable to the application of ankle-foot orthosis and abduction pillow. Conclusions: Multidisciplinary management for spasticity is feasible within our healthcare setting and our promising findings indicate its wider adoption in this locality.