What is Botox for Spasticity?
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for spasticity, a condition where muscles are overly tight or stiff due to stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury). Botox works by blocking nerve signals to the overactive muscles, helping them relax. This can improve movement, reduce pain, and make daily activities easier.
How do you prepare for Botox for Spasticity?
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, especially blood thinners or muscle relaxers
- Discuss your goals (such as easier walking, better arm movement, or less stiffness in the hand or fingers).
- Come with clean skin on the areas being treated (no lotions or creams).
- Arrange your schedule — you can usually return to normal activities right after, but some people feel sore or tired.
Why is Botox for Spasticity performed?
- To relax tight muscles that make it hard to move arms, legs, or hands.
- To reduce pain, stiffness, and spasms.
- To improve mobility, making walking, dressing, and other daily activities easier.
- To prevent long-term muscle or joint problems caused by constant tightness.
- It is often used when other treatments (like oral medicines or therapy alone) aren’t enough.
What can you expect during Botox for Spasticity?
- The procedure is usually done in a clinic and takes 15 minutes, depending on how many muscles are treated.
- A small needle is used to inject Botox directly into the tight muscles.
- The doctor may use an electrical stimulation device, ultrasound, or both to guide the needle to the correct muscles.
- Most patients feel only mild discomfort, like a quick pinch.
- You can go home/work after the procedure.
- Keep in mind Botox will not directly lead to strengthening of the muscles affected, it only decreases the stiffness
What is the follow-up like for Botox for Spasticity?
- Relief begins in about 3 days and will peak around 3 weeks.
- The benefits usually last 3 months.
- Repeat injections are needed to keep the results.
- Physical therapy is often combined with Botox to maximize improvements in strength and movement.
- Your doctor will check progress and may adjust which muscles are injected over time.
What are the potential risks for Botox for Spasticity?
Most side effects are mild and go away quickly. These may include:
- Pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
Rare but more serious risks include:
- Allergic reaction.
- Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking if the Botox spreads beyond the injection area.
Are there related tests to Botox for Spasticity?
- A physical and neurological exam is usually enough to plan treatment.
- EMG (electromyography) or ultrasound may be used during the injections to target the right muscles.
- Imaging (like MRI or CT) is not usually required but may have been done earlier to diagnose the cause of spasticity.
Providing specialized neurological and pain management care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Sader combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to help patients achieve optimal health outcomes.
