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Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Pediatric Upper Limb Spasticity

Aloysia L Schwabe1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Seminars in Plastic Surgery
|February 13, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections are key for treating pediatric spasticity and dystonia. Effective use requires reviewing goals, prior treatments, and involving therapy services for optimal outcomes in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is a primary treatment for pediatric spasticity and dystonia.
  • Initiating BoNT requires reviewing treatment goals and responses to conservative measures like physical therapy, splinting, and medications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline best practices for initiating and managing Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) treatment in pediatric spasticity.
  • To emphasize the importance of functional anatomy, specialized injection techniques, and adjunctive therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current clinical practices and literature regarding BoNT use in pediatric spasticity.
  • Emphasis on pre-treatment assessment, injection techniques (including localization methods), and post-treatment follow-up.

Main Results:

  • BoNT effectively reduces spasticity and improves range of motion in children.
  • The degree to which BoNT improves functional outcomes, activity, and participation requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal management of pediatric spasticity with BoNT involves a multidisciplinary approach, including therapy services and home programs.
  • Further research is needed to quantify the functional benefits of BoNT in pediatric patients.

Keywords:
botulinum toxincerebral palsyneurotoxinspasticity

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