Management Of Focal Spasticity Research Articles

Consensus recommendations for botulinum toxin injections in the spasticity management of children with cerebral palsy during COVID-19 outbreak

Spasticity is the most common motor disturbance in cerebral palsy (CP). Lockdown in the COVID-19 outbreak has profoundly changed daily routines, and similarly caused the suspension of spasticity treatment plans. Besides, the delay in botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection, which is important in the management of focal spasticity, led to some problems in children. This consensus report includes BoNT injection recommendations in the management of spasticity during the COVID-19 pandemic in children with CP. In order to develop the consensus report, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) specialists experienced in the field of pediatric rehabilitation and BoNT injections were invited by Pediatric Rehabilitation Association. Items were prepared and adapted to the Delphi technique by PMR specialists. Then they were asked to the physicians experienced in BoNT injections (PMR specialist, pediatric orthopedists, and pediatric neurologists) or COVID-19 (pediatric infectious disease, adult infectious disease). In conclusion, the experts agree that conservative management approaches for spasticity may be the initial steps before BoNT injections. BoNT injections can be administered to children with CP with appropriate indications and with necessary precautions during the pandemic.

Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin A Injection in Managing Mobility-Related Outcomes in Adult Patients With Cerebral Palsy: Systematic Review.

Intramuscular botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is used in the management of focal spasticity in cerebral palsy (CP). The aim was to conduct a systematic review to assess current literature on the use of BTX-A in the management of mobility-related outcomes among adult persons with spastic CP. All studies reporting on the use of BTX-A in the management of spastic CP among adult persons were identified by searching the following electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. Six studies were included in the review. Most studies were conducted in mixed patient groups comprising patients with movement disorders, traumatic brain injury, CP, and other disorders requiring therapy for spasticity. BTX-A was shown to be effective in improving spasticity-related outcomes among persons with CP, but mixed results were shown for functional outcomes. More studies are required on exclusive CP cohorts using recommended and currently used scales, incorporating quality of life and patient satisfaction scales. Results from long-term follow-up studies will be valuable for better evaluation of the effectiveness of BTX-A in the management of spasticity-related outcomes among adult persons with CP.

Access to Focal Spasticity Care: A Cross Canada Survey of Physiatrists.

Successful management of focal spasticity requires access to botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and orthoses/bracing. To assess the quality of focal spasticity care across Canada, we sent a survey consisting of 22 questions to physiatrists involved in the management of outpatient spasticity. Thirty-four physiatrists from all 10 provinces responded to the survey. Wait time for BoNT-A treatment averaged 12.7 weeks from time of referral across Canada. More than 75% of patients faced barriers to obtaining physical therapy and orthoses. Access to best quality care for spasticity patients across Canada varies widely.

Phenol Neurolysis for Management of Focal Spasticity in the Distal Upper Extremity.

When managing patients with focal spasticity, phenol neurolysis is often avoided largely because of its presumed poor adverse effect profile. It is suggested that dysesthesias may be more common with phenol neurolysis of the mixed sensorimotor nerves (eg, radial, median, and ulnar nerves) compared to neurolysis of pure motor nerves. However, these risks may be mitigated with precise localization of pure motor branches by ultrasound and electrical stimulation (EStim). To explore practice patterns of phenol neurolysis to distal upper extremity mixed sensorimotor nerves with ultrasound and EStim guidance. A retrospective analysis of all neurolysis procedure records at a single institution from January 2013 to February 2018. Demographic and clinical variables including primary neurological diagnosis, concurrent spasticity treatments, nerves injected, phenol dosage and adverse events were abstracted from the electronic medical records. 57 patients who received phenol neurolysis with ultrasound and EStim guidance for spasticity management to radial, median, or ulnar nerves. Reported adverse effects. A total of 57 patients who collectively received neurolysis to 139 nerves across 102 encounters, met inclusion criteria. Most prevalent diagnoses included traumatic brain injury (N = 27, 47.4%) and stroke (N = 18, 31.6%), with a smaller subset having spinal cord injury (N = 10, 17.5%). Most patients received concomitant chemodenervation with botulinum toxin (N = 44, 77.2%). The average phenol dosage per nerve was 1.8 mL, with a range of 0.5-9.0 mL. Reported adverse effects included three cases of prolonged pain, but no dysesthesias were reported during the follow-up period (>40 days). Phenol neurolysis with ultrasound and EStim guidance was successfully and safely used to manage focal spasticity in the distal upper extremity. III.

Development of a measure of therapy provision for spasticity management in the paretic lower limb – the Leg Therapy recording Schedule (LegTS)

Purpose: In rehabilitation studies, it is critical to understand the constituents of interventions. First, to enable replication of the work and second, to identify what treatments work best. The development of a tool to describe and quantify therapy interventions in the context of focal spasticity management is presented.Methods: Potential intervention categories were identified from: (a) retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a cohort of patients (n = 62) receiving physical interventions in the context of botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection for leg spasticity and (b) cognitive de-briefing with Patient and Carer Advisory Group (PCAG) of patient and carer dyads (n = 8). Item reduction was achieved through consultation with a purposively-selected group of physiotherapists and occupational therapists (n = 16) in a two-round Delphi process. This was followed by review of findings by PCAG members.Results: A list of 24 possible therapy categories were identified and then reduced, resulting in a tool with two domains: (1) postural management; four categories and (2) exercise and retraining; four categories. The Leg Therapy recording Schedule (LegTS) wording and presentation were refined for clinical and research use.Conclusions: The LegTS is designed to record therapy interventions for the paretic lower limb in the context of spasticity intervention. Content and face validity have initially been addressed within the development process.Implications for RehabilitationClinicians need to understand intervention effectiveness, and to do so, it is critical to capture all the components of a complex intervention.In clinical practice or research, patient experience measures are required to capture the complexity of intervention provided and monitor intervention effectiveness on a case by case basis.Clinicians involved in rehabilitation and management of focal spasticity in the leg can use the Leg Therapy recording Schedule (LegTS) to enable an understanding of the entirety of the intervention package provided.

Cortical activation changes and improved motor function in stroke patients after focal spasticity therapy--an interventional study applying repeated fMRI.

BackgroundImpaired dominant hand function in stroke patients is a common clinical problem. Functional improvement after focal spasticity therapy is well documented but knowledge about central correlates is sparse. Brain activity was therefore followed during therapy with repeated functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The purpose was to analyse motor function and central nervous system (CNS) correlates in response to a standardized motor task in stroke patients after a comprehensive focal spasticity therapy.MethodsSix consecutive first-time chronic stroke patients [4 women; mean age (SD) 66 (10) years] with right-sided hand paresis and spasticity were studied. Peripheral effects after focal spasticity management including intramuscular botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections were assessed on 3 occasions (baseline, 6 and 12 weeks) with functional tests. Brain effects were assessed on the same occasions by fMRI blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) technique during a standardized motor task focusing on the motor and pre-motor cortex (Brodmann areas, BA4a, BA4p & BA6). For reference 10 healthy individuals [5 women; mean age (SD) of 51(8) years], were studied twice with ≥ 6 weeks interval.ResultsAfter therapy there was a significant reduction in spasticity and functional improvement in 5 of 6 patients. In response to the motor task there was a ~1.5 - 3% increase in brain activity in the motor and pre-motor cortex. At baseline, this increase was larger in the non-injured (ipsilateral) than in the contralateral hemisphere. Compared with healthy subjects the patients showed a significantly (2–4.5 times) higher brain activity, especially on the ipsilateral side. After therapy, there was a larger decrease in the ipsilateral and a minor decrease in the contralateral response, i.e. a clear lateralization of left-to-right in a normalizing direction in all areas.ConclusionsComprehensive focal spasticity management was also in this study associated with brain reorganization in a “normalizing” left/right lateralization direction in addition to improved motor function. Furthermore, quantification of BOLD intensity in specified BAs showed reduced neuronal “over-activity” in the injured brain after therapy.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12883-015-0306-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Systematic Review of Upper‐limb Function Measurement Methods in Botulinum Toxin Intervention for Focal Spasticity

This paper aimed to select studies evaluating botulinum toxin (BoNT) intervention applied for upper-limb spasticity and from these identify outcome measures that are a) applicable in the hemiparetic upper limb and b) include evaluation of functional outcome in the context of everyday real-life activities. A systematic search was used to identify peer-reviewed papers evaluating BoNT intervention for focal spasticity management in the upper limb. From these papers, outcome evaluation methods were identified, which attempted to capture 'active function' improvement (functional use of the hand and/or arm) or passive function improvement (care for the affected limb, for example to maintain hygiene and dress or support the arm). The search yielded 411 studies. Seventy papers were identified following a final review of the abstracts as potentially including evaluation of functional outcome (active and/or passive function). Following the review of the papers, a total of 22 studies contained specific methods for evaluating functional outcome in the upper limb. Three different patient-focused methods to evaluate functional outcome following focal spasticity intervention using BoNT have been identified: 1) use of patient report of upper-limb items (including the Leeds Adult Spasticity Impact Scale and the Disability Assessment Scale), 2) use of a composite measure of function incorporating functional items and 3) Goal Attainment Scaling. None of these methods fully address evaluation of functional outcome in this context but may go some way to recording these improvements. An alternative or complementary measure, recently published, is the Arm Activity Measure for evaluation of active and passive function in this context. The Arm Activity Measure addresses active and passive function changes from the perspective of patients and carers and has been developed for application in this context.

The process of developing a non-medical (advanced allied health) botulinum toxin A prescribing and injecting model of care in a public rehabilitation setting

The aim of this paper was to describe the process undertaken to develop a non-medical (advanced allied health extended role) botulinum toxin A prescription and injection project for adults with upper and lower limb spasticity secondary to an acquired brain injury. The hypertonicity clinic in the present study was located in a metropolitan public hospital in Queensland where multidisciplinary services are provided by a rehabilitation specialist and an advanced occupational therapist and physiotherapist. The process of developing the model included establishing potential benefits for the role extension project and documentation of a project plan. Project outcomes included the development of a relevant governance structure, a research evidence-based project evaluation framework, a draft research ethics application, delineation of the key eligibility criteria and competencies required for physiotherapist and occupational therapist prescribers, and a final project report. Non-medical prescribing has the potential to increase patient access to botulinum toxin A injection for the management of focal spasticity. A process that supports early patient engagement, extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, a strong governance structure, a high-quality research project and a long lead time may maximise the potential for successful completion of advanced allied health role extension projects, including prescription and injection of botulinum toxin A.

A descriptive analysis of abnormal postural patterns in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

SummaryBackgroundFunctional classification systems generally divide children with cerebral palsy (CP) into mild, moderate, and severe types. Although depending on functional limitations, they do not seem to evaluate abnormal postural patterns in standing. Since the most asymmetrical patterns can be observed in hemiplegia, the goal of this case series study was to provide their objective analysis and to establish any potential clinical value for evaluation and management of CP.Material/MethodsA group of 36 children (aged 5–10 years) with spastic hemiplegic CP, who could stand and ambulate independently, were selected. The photogrammetric and pedobarographic studies were obtained for the postural analysis in standing.ResultsTwo different anti- and pro- gravitational postural patterns were identified. They seem not only to affect functional status and rehabilitation potential, but also clinical value for evaluation and management of CP hemiplegia.ConclusionsThe importance of strong study design cannot be overemphasized. The 2 different postural patterns indicate dissimilar compensatory tendencies, which may help in prognosis of deformity and functional outcomes of rehabilitation. The use of objective photogrammetric and the pedobarographic studies may also help to develop a more specific therapeutic intervention in order to facilitate the pattern leading towards better outcome (orthosis in the anti-gravitational postural pattern vs focal spasticity management in the pro-gravitational postural pattern).

The efficacy of serial casting after botulinum toxin type A injection in improving equinovarus deformity in patients with chronic stroke

Introduction: Spasticity is an important early complication of stroke, which may lead to shortening of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles and contracture in the Achilles tendon and soft tissues of the ankle. Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is a promising drug for the management of focal spasticity. Serial casting is another alternative method for reducing contractures due to spasticity. The present study aimed to determine if serial casting after BTX-A injection could help to limit the development of calf contracture in chronic hemiplegic patients.Method: The records of patients with stroke that were treated in the brain injury rehabilitation clinic between January 2007 and December 2008 were screened. In all, 10 patients that underwent a serial casting programme for 24 days following BTX-A injection were included in the study. Goniometric scores for ankle ROM, Physician Rating Scale (PRS) and Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) scores were recorded.Results: Mean age of the patients was 33.2 years. Mean time interval after stroke onset was 35.0 months. Improvements in ROM were quite significant after serial casting. Moreover, FIM and PRS scores improved significantly.Conclusion: Serial casting may be an appropriate intervention following BTX-A injection to prevent equinovarus deformity and improve the quality of walking in chronic stroke patients. The role of casting and splinting are important topics that require further research.

Short Form 36 assessed health-related quality of life after focal spasticity therapy

Analysis of the impact of an individualized comprehensive focal spasticity management on health-related quality of life. Prospective observational and interventional 12-week trial in a single-centre rehabilitation outpatient clinic. Forty-one adult patients with upper motor neurone lesions (23 men), mean age 52 (standard deviation 13) years; 27 stroke, 7 cerebral palsy and 7 miscellaneous diagnoses. Patients were assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Questionnaire before and after intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin type A combined with physical interventions. Spasticity was assessed with the Ashworth Scale (0-4). A verbal scale for patients' self-report of therapy effect was also used. Significant improvement was found in 3 of 8 SF-36 health scales: social (p = 0.008) and physical functioning (p = 0.026), and role physical (p = 0.048). Spasticity improved significantly (mean 1.1, p < 0.001). Improvement according to the verbal scale was observed for 57 (86%) indications (overall improvement in 36 patients, 88%). Comprehensive focal spasticity management with botulinum toxin type A intramuscular injections and physical interventions can improve patients' perceived health-related quality of life in addition to objectively and subjectively measured motor functions.

Phenol block for spasticity management

Peripheral blocks with botulinum toxin (BoTN) and phenol are the treatment of first choice in the management of focal spasticity. This review will focus on phenol blocks, presenting some historical aspects, principles of action, main indications and the clinical applicability of this substance. The purpose of this review is to remind that, when its indications are respected, phenol has shown a good balance between efficacy and safety. Since it is an extremely low-cost drug, phenol should be considered as the ideal agent for large-scale use in resource-poor rehabilitation centres.

Potentiation of botulinum toxin type A with oral anti-spasticity medications in the management of focal spasticity

Potentiation of botulinum toxin type A with oral anti-spasticity medications in the management of focal spasticity

Utilisation de fortes doses de toxine botulique de type A chez l'enfant: intérêt et sécurité en pratique clinique

The purpose of this article is to examine the current state of administering high doses botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of chidhood spasticity, particularly Cerebral Palsy. The inter-relationship between the Cerebral Palsy neurological maturation and the early management is discussed, including identification of common gait patterns and the choice of target muscles for focal or multi focal spasticity management. High doses of botulinum toxin type A, when multilevel and integrated management approach is indicated, appear to be a safe, efficacious treatment for multi focal Cerebral Palsy spasticity. A review of literature guides the clinician about necessary adaptation of botulinum toxin doses and found no evidence that higher doses result in a increase of complications. Further studies would be interesting in order to evaluate long term safety and efficacy of this therapy in Cerebral Palsy.

The effects of botulinum toxin (BTX-A) on spasticity of the lower limb and on gait in cerebral palsy.

Spasticity in cerebral palsy stems from a net disinhibition of spinal reflexes because of a primary non-progressive cerebral lesion. The resulting hyperactive reflexes and increased muscle tone create a dynamic, shortening deformity which is exacerbated by longitudinal skeletal growth in the growing child. This makes the management of dynamic deformities such as an equinus gait by physiotherapy and orthoses, particularly difficult during growth spurts. The objectives of management in spasticity are to optimise functional movement and prevent fixed deformity such as joint contracture and bony torsion. Botulinum toxin (BTX-A) has been used since the early nineties in the management of focal spasticity in cerebral palsy. 1 It is a clostridial neurotoxin which achieves a reduction in tone and spasticity in a targeted muscle by temporary disruption of acetylcholine exocytosis at the motor endplate. The resulting reduction of overactivity seen in an injected muscle facilitates the function of its antagonists, allowing a change in muscle balance which may make joint movement easier. Of the seven serotypes (A-G) of botulinum toxin, serotypes A, B and F have been used in clinical practice. BTX-A has the longest duration of action, the greatest potency and is the most relevant serotype. There are significant differences between Botox (Ipsen Ltd, Slough, Berkshire, UK) and Dysport (Allergan Inc, Irvine, California), the two commercially available preparations of type-A botulinum toxin, in terms of potency and therefore dosage, total protein load and antigenicity. 2

The management of focal spasticity.

The management of focal spasticity.

Botulinum Neurotoxin Intramuscular Chemodenervation: Role in the Management of Spastic Hypertonia and Related Motor Disorders

There is a range of interventions available in the management of spastic hypertonia among patients with central nervous system injury. Many of these treatment options can be used concurrently with great effectiveness. Although manifestations of spastic hypertonia vary from patient to patient, they usually are not limited to one site. Nevertheless, problematic spastic muscle overactivity may be localized to one or more specific extremities, and these may be referred to as examples of focal dysfunctional spasticity. Botulinum neurotoxin (BTX) intramuscular chemodenervation procedures are an important therapeutic technique in focal spasticity management. Magnitude and duration of response varies with successful selection and localization of targeted muscles, spasticity severity, BTX dosage, and chosen functional goals. In focal dysfunctional spasticity and related motor disorders, BTX injections have demonstrated efficacy and safety when performed by clinicians familiar with the agent, regional anatomy, the specific condition, and patient being treated.

Use of botulinum toxin type A in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy: a three-center retrospective chart review.

Over the last several years, botulinum toxin type A has gained widespread use for the management of focal spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. To assess the current patterns of botulinum toxin type A use in the clinical setting, the dose, muscles injected, age at injection, and interval between injections of botulinum toxin type A treatments were examined in a retrospective chart review of children with cerebral palsy (N = 270) over a 2-year period at three major treatment centers. The average dose of botulinum toxin type A across the three centers ranged from 7.7 to 10.8 U/kg body weight, and the average total amount of botulinum toxin type A injected at a single visit ranged from 154 to 205 U. The majority of botulinum toxin type A injections were to the muscles to the lower limbs. The average age at first injection was 6.2 years, and the average interval between injections ranged from 134 to 199 days.

Botulinum toxin A in cerebral palsy: Functional outcomes

Botulinum toxin A in cerebral palsy: Functional outcomes