Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Professor Michael Barnes
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are seven serotypes, all of which block the release of acetylcholine from nerve endings, which gives the compound its theoretical base for reducing spasticity. Initial studies of the use of botulinum toxin in the management of spasticity were promising and now there are a number of well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that confirm the place of botulinum toxin in our treatment armoury against focal spasticity. The studies have demonstrated both efficacy and safety. There is still more work to be done in terms of disability although early reports confirm functional improvements, particularly reduction of pain as well as improvements in nursing care, hygiene and carer burden. Further studies also need to be done to confirm the place of botulinum toxin in the overall context of other treatment possibilities in the management of spasticity.
Author(s): Barnes M
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Year: 2003
Issue: 41
Pages: 56-59
Print publication date: 01/01/2003
ISSN (print): 1650-1969
ISSN (electronic): 1650-1977
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/16501960310010151
DOI: 10.1080/16501960310010151
PubMed id: 12817658
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric
