Effectiveness of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of spasticity of the lower extremities in adults - preliminary report.
BACKGROUND
Botulinum toxin (BTX is currently a recognised treatment for local spasticity, especially in children with cerebral palsy. The following paper presents the early result of BTX treatment for adult patients with spastic paresis of the lower limbs.


METHODS
Twenty adult paraplegic patients (mean age 42 years) following cervical or thoracic SCI or suffering from MS, with moderate-to-severe spasticity in the lower extremities received BTX for the first time in life into the thigh adductor, knee flexor and foot flexor muscle groups. Results were evaluated using Modified Ashworth's Scale, Visual (Analogue) Scale for Pain Assessment, Modified Rivermead Mobility Index and Repty Functional Index prior to and three weeks after the administration of the toxin.


RESULTS
Improvement was observed in most patients, usually manifesting as reductions or resolution of pain. Mild side effects (low-grade fever and flu-like symptoms) occurred in only one patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study confirmed the efficacy and safety of BTX for focal lower limb spasticity in adults.
Opara
Józef
J
Katedra Fizjoterapii Układu Nerwowego i Narzadu Ruchu AWF, Katowice. jozefopara@wp.pl
Hordyńska
Ewa
E
Swoboda
Anna
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A