1000 Section - Neurological and Functional recovery after Botulinum Toxin Injection in inpatients with Cerebrovascular Accident in the Early Stage

Objectives : The value of botulinum toxin injection in inpatients at a Rehabilitation Center in the early stage of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) to address regional spasticity and positive signs of upper motor neuron injury, thereby promoting neurological and functional recovery.

Design:

342 patients with first CVA were studied, who were hospitalized in a Rehabilitation Center during a one-year period. We evaluate muscle tone every week for 7-90 days from the onset of the CVA.

89/342 patients (34.2%) exhibited spasticity, and from them, 38/89 (42.69%) were selected. The sample consisted of 23 men and 15 women.

They underwent botulinum toxin injection in selected muscles with  regional spasticity. Neurological progression was recorded comparatively immediately before and one month after the injection using the NIHSS and Brunnstrom stages of recovery, as well as functional outcome with the Barthel scale. All patients underwent conventional occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

Results:

• Average Barthel score before injection: 9.84 – 30 days after injection: 47.5


• Average NIHSS score before injection: 9.96 – 30 days after injection: 4.75


• Average Brunnstrom stage before injection: 1.95 –30 days after injection: 4.1

Conclusion:

The injection of botulinum toxin in patients with CVA in the early phase accelerates and enhances neurological and functional recovery.