PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Lynne Turner-Stokes
AU  - Anthony Ward
TI  - Botulinum toxin in the management of spasticity in adults
AID  - 10.7861/clinmedicine.2-2-128
DP  - 2002 Mar 01
TA  - Clinical Medicine
PG  - 128--130
VI  - 2
IP  - 2
4099  - http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/2/2/128.short
4100  - http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/2/2/128.full
SO  - Clin Med2002 Mar 01; 2
AB  - Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a powerful neurotoxin which blocks cholinergic transmission at the neuromuscular junction. Judiciously applied, it can reduce local muscle overactivity while maintaining the strength in other muscles. To date BTX has not been licensed for use in spasticity in the UK and the literature pertaining to clinical practice is still relatively scant. However, controlled trials have provided evidence of the effectiveness of BTX both in reducing spasticity itself and in achieving functional gain. The guidance given here to clinicians involved in the management of spasticity covers the types of patient suitable for treatment using BTX, the appropriate dosage, and the necessary follow-up procedures and documentation.