Botulinum toxin type A combined with neurodynamic mobilization for upper limb spasticity after stroke: a case report

The purpose of this study is to report a case in which combinatory therapy of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) and neurodynamic mobilization (NM) was used as treatment for a patient with severe upper limb spasticity and pain after stroke.

A 76-year-old male patient had spastic muscles in the upper limb 10 months after an ischemic stroke.

The patient underwent combined treatment with BoNT-A and NM of the upper limb in 6 monthly applications. Evaluation was performed pretreatment, 3 months after the first injection, 3 months after the second injection, and at a follow-up session 9 months after starting the treatment. The following outcomes were measured: pain by using a numeric rating scale, spasticity by the Modified Ashworth Scale for Grading Spasticity, acceptance and emotional reaction to the treatment by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and functionality by ranges of motion. The patient improved in all outcomes after treatment, and results were maintained during the follow-up sessions.

The combined NM and BoNT-A treatment appeared to decrease pain and improve joint ranges of motion during treatment for this patient. The patient showed decreased anxiety and depression during and after the treatment.