Botox Decreases Pain And Stroke Spasticity

Latest study on botulinum toxin type A or Botox shows that it is more than a wrinkle remover. Study shows that repeated treatments with Botox significantly decreases pain and spasticity in the upper limbs of stroke survivors.

Spasticity is a disabling condition that leaves the muscles and tendons permanently shortened and uncontrollable in most stroke survivors. Most

of them experienced spasticity that leaves them doing even the smallest thing difficult and exhausting. Dr. Allison Brashear, head of the spasticity clinic at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center explains, “Limb stiffness and pain are the most commonly reported symptoms of spasticity following a stroke, and relief of spasticity-related pain is a priority treatment goal for many patients.” Brashear conducted the study while at the University of Indiana School of Medicine. “Our study shows that treatment with botulinum toxin type A can lessen these symptoms without side effects. This improves the ability of survivors to perform such essential activities of daily living as dressing themselves, maintaining good personal hygiene and reaching for and grasping everyday objects,” he added.

Participants of the study were each given up to five treatments of Botox injections. Injections at the elbow, wrist and fingers or thumbs flexor of the affected limb to block nerve impulses that trigger muscle contractions. Participants were monitored and assessed every six weeks for one year and showed a significant reduction in pain and muscle tone at each follow-up.