Effect of treatment with botulinum toxin on spasticity

Botulinum toxin, a product of Clostridium botulinum, produces presynaptic neuromuscular block by preventing release of acetylcholine from nerve endings. The toxin was injected directly into the skeletal muscles of six patients with severe spasticity due to stroke-related hemiplegia. It produced both subjective and objective improvement. The toxin injections were well tolerated and no significant side effect was reported.