THE USE OF BOTULINUM TOXIN IN THE TREATMENT OF SPASTICITY AFTER STROKE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Botulinum toxin is a pharmacological technique with beneficial effects to the treatment of spasticity, such as the gain of range of motion and improvement of the function of the affected limbs. The aim of the present study is to describe the methods, effects, indications and contraindications of the use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of spasticity after stroke, highlighting its benefits associated with physiotherapy. A review of narrative literature was carried out through the following databases: Google academic, Scielo, Pubmed and Bireme. The Virtual Health Library (VHL) descriptors used were: botulinum toxin, physiotherapy, stroke and spasticity; Botulinum toxin, physiotherapy, stroke and spasticity. As result, the treatment of spasticity with botulinum toxin has been more successful when the administration follows a number of criteria, such as: dose adjustment according to age, weight, spasticity, and musculature. The association of botulinum toxin with physiotherapy and other treatment techniques also contribute positively to the beneficial effects of this therapy.The effects of the use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of spasticity are evidenced in the Ashworth Scale, and seem to potentiate the physiotherapeutic treatment. However, some contraindications may be cited, such as: neuromuscular diseases, hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin, pregnant women and antibiotics. In this way, it can be concluded that botulinum toxin can be used in association with physical therapy in the treatment of spasticity in a safe way, provided that the recommendations of the use are obeyed.