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Botulinum toxin assessment, intervention and after‐care for upper limb hypertonicity in adults: international consensus statement
Author(s) -
Sheean G.,
Lannin N. A.,
TurnerStokes L.,
Rawicki B.,
Snow B. J.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03129.x
Subject(s) - medicine , upper limb , spasticity , context (archaeology) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , botulinum toxin , elbow , intervention (counseling) , wrist , surgery , nursing , paleontology , biology
Upper limb spasticity affecting elbow, wrist, and finger flexors can be safely and effectively reduced with injections of botulinum toxin type‐A (BoNT‐A). It has been best studied in adults in the context of post‐stroke spasticity. The clinical benefits include reduction in pain and deformity, improvement in washing and dressing the upper limb, and a reduction in caregiver burden (Class I evidence, recommendation level A). Some patients show improvement in function performed by active movement of the affected upper limb (Class III evidence, recommendation C), but predicting and measuring this is difficult, and further research is needed. An individually based approach to treatment and outcome measurement is preferred (Class IV, recommendation U). More research is needed to resolve many unknown issues of assessment and treatment, using research methods appropriate to the question.