Abstract
Study on use of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) in subjects with spastic cerebral palsy
is rare in Indian literature. So, we planned to observe the role of BTX-A in subjects
with spastic cerebral palsy unresponsive to conventional therapy. This open label
study was conducted with the approval of Institutional Ethics Committee and parents.
A total of 63 cases (age range 1 to 19 years; mean 6.07 years) received the toxin
(dose range 50–200 units) after proper assessment based on modified Ashworth scale,
visual analogue scale, passive range of motion with goniometer, physician rating scale
and assessment of global functional status. A total of 13 cases were lost in follow
up. Out of 50 cases who received the injection, tone and pain reduction was significant
in different subgroup of patients. Improvement of functional status was noticed in
10% of cases. Thus, BTX-A is effective in reduction of tone and pain, but significant
functional improvement was noted in a limited number of cases.
Keywords
Cerebral palsy - botulinum toxin - spasticity
