What is botulinum toxin and how can it be used in spasticity?
Botulinum toxin is a poison derived from bacteria. It acts to decrease messages from nerve cells to muscles. It is used in medicine in very low doses to limit muscle activity. It is injected into the muscle responsible for spasticity by a specialist familiar with its use. It then takes about a week to see results. Most patients will respond and find it easier to move the joint following the injection. Some patients find they will only require one injection provided they keep stretching the joint after. Other people require repeated injections every six months.
