Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Enhancing Upper Limb Function and Motor Skills Post-Stroke Through an Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot
Published on: September 6, 2024
Botulinum toxin type A for upper limb spasticity after stroke
1Institute for Ageing and Health (Stroke Research Group), Newcastle University, The Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK. lisa.shaw@newcastle.ac.uk
Abstract:
Spasticity is involuntary overactivity of muscles that occurs following upper motor neuron damage to the brain or spinal cord. Upper limb spasticity is common after stroke and can cause deformity, pain and reduced function. Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that blocks the release of acetylcholine from cholinergic neurons. When given by intramuscular injection it causes temporary local paresis and has become an important component of focal spasticity treatment. Randomized controlled trials have shown that botulinum toxin type A can decrease upper limb spasticity and improve the ease of performing basic upper limb functional activities, such as cleaning the hand or dressing a sleeve. This article will review the pharmacology of botulinum toxin type A and its clinical efficacy when used to treat upper limb spasticity after stroke.
Related Concept Videos
Botulism
Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
Tetanus
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll

