Abstract
This review was written to determine the effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin (BoNT) as a treatment for upper extremity dysfunction in post-stroke patients. As most patients survive a stroke, many are burdened with disability and impaired limb function. Seventy percent of stroke patients experience motor dysfunction in the arm, with thirty percent of patients suffering from upper extremity spasticity. Spasticity is a speed-dependent condition where certain muscles are abnormally stiff, resulting in involuntary contraction when the spastic muscle is used. BoNT treatment includes injections in localized muscles and is primarily used to treat spasticity by temporarily paralyzing the injected muscle. Seven systematic reviews/meta-analyses and ten randomized-controlled trials were used to determine the effectiveness of BoNT in post-stroke patients. Overall, BoNT is effective in reducing spasticity and may be effective in reducing pain. However, its ability to improve motor function is still unclear. In addition, there is mixed evidence on the most effective way to administer BoNT treatment, such as the proper dosage or combining BoNT with another therapy. The treatment’s effectiveness is well documented in the chronic stage of stroke but less so in the acute and subacute stages. More research is needed to determine the potential adverse effects of long-term exposure to BoNT and the most appropriate dose to administer.
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