Management of lower limb spasticity in childhood with botulinum toxin A

ABSTRACT

To assess the safety and efficacy of Botulinum Toxin A in the treatment of lower limb spasticity in childhood. Prospective open study of treatment with Botulinum Toxin A of 28 consecutive children with spasticity and dynamic contractures of the lower limes. The muscles injected were hip adductors, hamstring and gastrocenmius-soleus. The causes of spasticity were cerebral palsy in 16, hereditary spastic paraplegia in 9, transverse myelopathy in 2 and head injury in 1. A better response was seen in those with mild to moderate spasticity, shorter duration of illness [< 3 years] and those with HSP. There was gradual improvement of the lower limbs with reduction in contractures. Botulinum Toxin A is safe and effective the treatment of lower limp spasticity in children