title: Botulinum toxin in gait dysfunction due to ankle clonus: a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our purpose is to assess the effectiveness of Botulinum toxin (Btx) on gait dysfunction due to ankle clonus in neurological patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  We use a retrospective case note review of 11 patients attending the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit (RABIU), Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland. All patients had received Btx for the treatment of ankle clonus. Demographic data including diagnosis and time since neurological insult was collected. Information regarding walking speed and assistance required to walk before and after Btx treatment was analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 10 of 11 patients, walking speed was significantly improved at 4-6 weeks post Btx injections (P = 0.006) and at 14-16 weeks post Btx injections (P = 0.005). Eight patients reduced their level of dependency on assistance. Subjective improvements in levels of pain, gait pattern and 'toe clawing' were also reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that Botulinum toxin has a role in treating ankle clonus in neurological patients, where it interferes in gait. Walking speed and level of dependence on others improved in this group.
authors: Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. siobhana.mcguinness@belfasttrust.hscni.net
authors: Siobhan
authors: S
authors: McGuinness
authors: Josephine
authors: J
authors: Hillan
authors: Sheena B
authors: SB
authors: Caldwell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins