What is Botox for Limb Spasticity?
Botox injections offer a non-invasive treatment for many types of limb spasticity issues. Upper and lower limb spasticity can accompany many health conditions, causing discomfort and mobility issues. Stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries can all cause spasticity that may be relieved using botulinum toxin treatments.
Why are Botox injections performed for Limb Spasticity?
Individuals with limb spasticity have extremely tight muscles that can restrict normal movement. This can occur in the upper limbs in the elbow, wrist and fingers, or in the lower leg muscles. Botox for spasticity is a treatment where Botox is injected into tight, spastic muscles to relax the contractions. Multiple forms of botulinum toxin like Botox have been FDA-approved for the treatment of limb spasticity.
How are Botox injections performed for Limb Spasticity?
Small amounts of Botox are injected into carefully selected sites that are determined based on the pattern of spasticity. It works by restricting the nerve communications to the targeted muscles, causing a relaxation effect that allows the muscles to reduce spasms and resulting in more normal movement and more comfort for the patient. Botox injections can last up to 12-16 weeks, but new nerve endings will form and the muscle will no longer be inhibited by the Botox. Additionally, while Botox can be very helpful, there is a limited number of injections that can be administered.
Botulinum toxin works by restricting nerve communications to the targeted muscles. It is a neurotoxin that interrupts neurotransmitter signals from the brain to the muscles. Injections into the muscle can cause a relaxation effect, allowing the muscles to reduce spasms. This can result in more normal movement and improved comfort for the patient.
What should I expect after Botox injections for Limb Spasticity?
Minimal side effects or adverse reactions have been reported. The targeted muscles are injected, and there is no downtime needed after the treatment. The most common side effects are mild, such as bruising or swelling at the injection site, headaches, or flu-like symptoms. There are possible severe side effects, but these are very rare.
Patients usually notice relief from some muscle tightness or spasms from Botox treatment for spasticity within a week. The effects of botulinum toxin do wear off, usually in about 3-4 months. Patients wanting to maintain the effects usually will need repeated treatments.
