Use of botulinum toxin type A in poststroke spasticity

The use of botulinum toxin type A to relax the overactive muscles occurring after stroke can improve the quality of life for affected patients. Botulinum toxin is injected locally into tight muscles and allows the patient improved function, such as cleaning the hand or assisting with dressing. A large multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated improvement in tone and functional disability in those patients with poststroke spasticity of the hand and wrist treated with botulinum toxin. Benefits were maintained throughout the 12-week study. Side effects of the injections were mild and self-limited. Botulinum toxin type A injections for upper extremity spasticity are safe and efficacious, and should be considered as first choice in the treatment of this disorder.