86. Efficacy of botulinum toxin on pain and spastic gait disorders in multiple sclerosis. Issue 1 (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guerriero, R.; Amadio, S.; Butera, C.; Bianchi, F.; Vimercati, O.; Cursi, M.; Martinelli-Boneschi, F.; Comola, M.; Comi, G.; Del Carro, U.
• Is Part Of: Clinical neurophysiology. Volume 126:Issue 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: e20
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Electroencephalography -- Periodicals; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2014.10.105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-2457

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="ab005"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <p id="sp005">To assess the efficacy of botulinum toxin (BT-A) and additional physiotherapy in subjects affected by progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) with chronic lower limb spasticity. 15 patients able to walk with assistance were consecutively recruited in a open-label study. All patients received a set of intramuscular injections of BT-A performed with EMG-guidance, according to each patient's individual pattern of spasticity, followed by additional physiotherapy. Each patient was assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks for muscle tone, spasms frequency, leg pain, gait velocity, self-analysis of gait function. 7 patients received a further treatment session after 4 months and were retested after 4 and 8 months. We observed a significant (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.05) reduction of muscle tone, spasm frequency and pain and a partial improvement of gait velocity and function after 6 weeks. The results did not change at 12 week follow-up. The seven patients who received a second set of injections maintained their scores after 4 months e three of them after 8 months. Injections of BT-A, followed by additional physiotherapy, are effective on spasms and pain in patients affected with multiple sclerosis. BT-A injections can otherwise improve gait function for several months in patients able to walk with assistance.</p> </sec> </abstract>