Spasticity Botox, assessed within the Neurology Department of MediHeart Medical Center in Morphou, aims to reduce muscle stiffness caused by brain or spinal cord damage and to support rehabilitation.
What Is Spasticity?
Spasticity is a condition in which muscles stay involuntarily tight and stiff because the pathways that control movement in the brain or spinal cord are damaged. It can cause stiffness in the arms and legs, difficulty moving, pain, joints staying bent and problems with daily care.
It is most commonly linked to:
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
What Is Spasticity Botox?
Botulinum toxin type A is injected into specific overactive muscles. It temporarily reduces the signal between nerve and muscle, easing excessive contraction. Because the effect is limited to the injected muscle, it is a preferred option for spasticity concentrated in particular muscle groups (focal spasticity).
Treatment Goals
- Reducing stiffness and related pain
- Improving joint range of motion
- Making daily care, such as hand hygiene and dressing, easier
- Supporting walking and positioning
- Making splints and orthoses easier to use
- Reducing the risk of permanent joint deformity
Setting realistic, measurable goals with the patient, family and rehabilitation team before treatment is important.
Assessment Before Treatment
- Cause, duration and extent of spasticity
- Identifying the muscles responsible
- Measuring muscle tone and range of motion
- Distinguishing weakness from spasticity
- Reviewing medicines and other conditions
How Is It Done?
Injections are given into the selected muscles with fine needles. Ultrasound, electromyography (EMG) or electrical stimulation may be used to guide the needle accurately. Dose and injection points are tailored to muscle size and severity.
When Does It Work and How Long Does It Last?
The effect usually starts within a few days and becomes clearer over a few weeks. It typically lasts a few months and then wears off; treatment may be repeated depending on response and goals.
Why Combine It With Rehabilitation?
Current international recommendations emphasise that combining spasticity Botox with physiotherapy, stretching, splinting and positioning is associated with better outcomes than injections alone. See our Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation page.
Possible Side Effects
- Pain or bruising at the injection site
- More weakness than expected in the injected muscle
- Temporary tiredness
Seek medical help promptly if you have difficulty swallowing, breathing or speaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does spasticity Botox treat paralysis?
No. It does not treat stroke or other neurological diseases themselves; it reduces stiffness to make movement, care and rehabilitation easier.
How often is it repeated?
The interval is tailored to the duration of effect, your goals and your doctor’s assessment.
Is physiotherapy needed afterwards?
Yes. Continuing exercise, stretching and positioning after the injections can help you get more benefit from treatment.
Can children be treated?
Botulinum toxin is also used in children with conditions such as cerebral palsy; decisions are made together with the relevant specialists.
Conclusion
Spasticity Botox can help make movement and care easier for suitable patients with muscle stiffness after stroke, MS, cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury. Benefit can be greater when it is planned together with rehabilitation and realistic goals. At MediHeart Medical Center, treatment is decided after a detailed assessment. Patients from Morphou and across North Cyprus can contact us for appointments.