Botox Injection in Spasticity

Botox is mostly known for cosmetic use and is generally known as a method preferred by those who want to have young and smooth facial muscles. However, in addition to oral medications, botox injection applied focally to spastic muscles is a commonly used treatment method in the treatment of spasticity.

Botulinum toxin is a drug derived from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In the treatment of spasticity, since the contraction and relaxation system of the muscles does not work properly, injecting botox into the spastic muscles helps the muscles relax, resulting in less stiffness and improved range of motion.

Botox prevents the nerve from releasing a substance called acetylcholine into the muscle, causing the muscle to relax. In this way, the muscles of patients living with spasticity move and relax more easily.

Botox injection is applied to patients hospitalized or admitted to the outpatient clinic within a period of 30-45 minutes under ultrasound guidance. More successful results are achieved, especially in the upper extremity (arm) muscles, as ultrasound-guided injections help in more accurate muscle selection. After the injection, the Botox effect may appear within a few days, and this relaxation in the muscles may last for 6-8 months to 1 year.

Exercise therapy and occupational therapy are recommended to increase the benefits of Botox injection.

Advantages:

Botox usually relaxes the injected muscles effectively.

It is very well tolerated and very little drug passes into the bloodstream.

Disadvantages:

It may be a more painful procedure than oral tablets.

The body may create antibodies to Botox, making the treatment less effective.

In which diseases is Botox injection applied?

Cerebrovascular diseases (Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury)

spinal cord injuries

Multiple Sclerosis

Cerebral palsy

Painful muscle spasms unresponsive to treatment