The early use of botulinum toxin in post-stroke spasticity: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patients surviving stroke but who have significant impairment of function in the affected arm are at more risk of developing pain, stiffness and contractures. The abnormal muscle activity, associated with post-stroke spasticity, is thought to be causally associated with the development of these complications. Treatment of spasticity is currently delayed until a patient develops signs of these complications.

Methods/design

This protocol is for a phase II study that aims to identify whether using OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) in combination with physiotherapy early post stroke when initial abnormal muscle activity is neurophysiologically identified can prevent loss of range at joints and improve functional outcomes.The trial uses a screening phase to identify which pe

SUBMITTER: Lindsay C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3895790 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature