Botox and Spasticity

My wife Rock is now just above two years since her stroke. Although she has improved very much but her left hand shows very little progress. Lately we consulted with her physiotherapist on her situation and she recommended BOTOX Injection to help with this spasticity. I take this opportunity to share on this treatment, what is BOTOX, how it works, how it helps in physiotherapy and the effects and consequences involved.

Scientists extract BOTOX or Botulinum Toxin Type A, a naturally purified protein, from bacteria in molds. Normally the brain sends electrochemical messages to the muscles via nerves to make them contract and move. A substance called Acetylcholine transmits these messages from a nerve to the muscle. In the case of spasticity in stroke survivors, where too much Acetylcholine is released, the muscles become overly active and spasms or tightening up occurs. Botox temporarily blocks the nerve’s ability to release acetylcholine and hence muscles are released from tightness or spasms.

After injection, it takes a few days for the Botox to take effect and usually lasts about 3 to 4 months. A medical practitioner determines the amount and exact location for these injections. When the muscles are relaxed, the stroke survivor have to do appropriate, vigorous and intensive exercises or physiotherapy for the muscles to gain strength and hence mobility. Sometimes a few cycles of Botox Injections are necessary to achieve such goals.

As with all injections,

the patient may experience pain, tenderness or bruising. Other side effects such as flu-like symptoms, joint pain, headaches, skin rash, itchiness, nausea and even dizziness. However these are only temporary and should clear-up very fast.

Botox Injections are not only for stroke survivors but also for other causes of spasticity such as injury to the central nervous system due to accidents, falls etc. Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Cord Injury patients can use Botox Treatment to help in their recovery processes.

Read Related Posts on Stroke
What is a Stroke?
Facts of Stroke & The Warning Signs.
Stroke Risk Factors.
Understanding Spasticity
Eating & The Stroke Survivor
The Job No One Asks For
Caregivers Month

Additional Reading by Janet Simpson