Long-term effects of combined botulinum toxin treatment and rehabilitation on upper limb muscle spasms: a case report

Abstract

[Purpose] We report our experience with a patient with a central spinal cord injury who showed improved finger and upper limb functions after long-term treatment with a combination of rehabilitation and botulinum toxin type A. [Participants and Methods] The patient had spasms and pain that gradually became more profound and was given botulinum toxin type A at 1 year 3 months after sustaining a spinal cord injury. We administered 14 botulinum toxin type A injections periodically for 7 years 4 months after the injury. We administered the injections at an average interval of 5.6 months. Splints that allowed extension and improved finger muscle tone and contracture were made for the patient. [Results] The patient experienced gradual alleviation of the spasms in the proximal upper limb muscles and improved range of motion after receiving five doses of botulinum toxin type A. The spasms and range of motion in the fingers gradually improved around 4 years after the injury through splint therapy and a combination of botulinum toxin type A administration and rehabilitation. [Conclusion] The combination of botulinum toxin type A, splint, and rehabilitation therapies can lead to positive improvements in finger spasticity and range of motion and is recommended for hypertonia cases with severe contractures.

Clinical Observation of Botulinum Toxin Injection in the Treatment of Focal Dystonia and Muscle Spasm

“…Saito et al made splints for patients that allow stretching and improve finger muscle tone and contractures. After the patient received 5 doses of botulinum toxin type A, the proximal muscle spasm of the upper extremity gradually decreased [ 1 ]. Kaymak et al believed that intramuscular botulinum toxin (BoTX) is the first-line treatment for cervical dystonia.…”

Effect of Timing of Rehabilitation Nursing Intervention on Children with Acute Viral Encephalitis

“…Listening to music helps stabilize emotions and improve the mood of children with VE. Music intervention enhances socially responsive behavior, verbal communication skills, and mobilizes motivation in children with VE (23). Functional exercises accelerate local blood circulation, promote the repair of damaged peripheral soft tissues, prevent complications such as muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, reduce muscular tension in affected limbs, and improve limb spasticity (24).…”