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Treatment with botulinum toxin type B for upper-limb spasticity
Allison Brashear1, Anita L McAfee, Elizabeth R Kuhn
1Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5250, USA. abrashea@iupui.edu
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|February 18, 2003
Summary
Botulinum toxin type B (MyoBloc) injections reduced upper-limb spasticity in patients. While functional measures showed no change, Ashworth Scale scores improved significantly, indicating potential benefits for spasticity treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Spasticity is a common neurological condition characterized by increased muscle tone.
- Botulinum neurotoxins are established treatments for various types of spasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin type B (MyoBloc) in reducing upper-limb spasticity.
- To assess the safety and functional impact of botulinum toxin type B treatment.
Main Methods:
- An open-label, single-treatment session study involving 10 patients with upper-limb spasticity.
- Botulinum toxin type B (10,000U) was injected into five major muscles.
- Spasticity was assessed using the Ashworth Scale, goniometry, and functional measures at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in Ashworth Scale scores were observed for the elbow, wrist, and finger at multiple time points post-injection.
- The principal investigator and patient global assessments of change showed improvement.
- Nine out of ten patients reported transient dry mouth as the primary adverse event; no functional improvements were noted.
Conclusions:
- Botulinum toxin type B demonstrates potential as a therapeutic option for managing upper-limb spasticity.
- Further research is warranted to explore its functional benefits and long-term efficacy.