Spasticity Treatment Beyond Botulinum Toxins

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Botulinum toxin (BonT) is the standard treatment for post-stroke spasticity.
• Severe spasticity may not respond adequately to BonT therapy alone.
• There is a need for alternative and complementary spasticity management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review innovative and revived treatment options for post-stroke spasticity.
• To explore alternatives and complements to Botulinum toxin therapy.
• To provide an overview of phenol neurolysis, cryoneurolysis, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of emerging and revived spasticity treatments.
• Focus on non-BonT therapies for post-stroke spasticity.
• Analysis of phenol neurolysis, cryoneurolysis, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

Main Results:

• Emerging treatments offer potential alternatives or complements to BonT.
• Phenol neurolysis, cryoneurolysis, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy are discussed.
• These methods may address limitations of BonT in severe spasticity.

Conclusions:

• Innovative and revived therapies can expand spasticity management options.
• Phenol neurolysis, cryoneurolysis, and shock wave therapy show promise.
• Further research may elucidate the role of these therapies in conjunction with or as alternatives to BonT.