[Guidelines for the treatment of child spasticity using botulinum toxin]

The introduction of botulinum toxin has been a significant step forward in the treatment of spasticity in children and is now considered to be the preferred treatment in focal spasticity. With the aim of optimising this therapeutic resource, a group of Spanish neurologists and specialists in rehabilitation have drawn up these therapeutic guidelines based on the currently available evidence on its use and indications, and on their own experience.

Spasticity in childhood is mainly caused by infantile cerebral palsy. Its natural history is not favourable due to the negative effect of growth and it should be treated before permanent deformities in bones and joints appear. Treatment with botulinum toxin diminishes hyperactivity and muscle tone, and allows the muscle to grow longitudinally, which prevents permanent contractions. The advantages of botulinum toxin are obvious (ease of use and dosing, long-lasting effects, reversibility in case of adverse responses, and so forth) and outnumber by far the few drawbacks it offers. Before it can be used patients, treatment goals and the muscle areas to be treated must all be selected correctly and, at the same time, a tailored rehabilitation scheme must also be developed. The growing body of experience suggests that its early administration is effective in preventing or reducing the severe complications of spasticity.

Botulinum toxin type A is very effective in the treatment of spasticity. These guidelines offer the well-documented experience gained from its use and our knowledge about its indications, effects and safety in clinical practice.