THE EFFECT OF BOTULINUM TOXIN ON HAND FUNCTION AFTER INCOMPLETE SPINAL-CORD INJURY AT THE LEVEL OF C5 6 - A CASE-REPORT/

Objective: To investigate the benefits of the focal use of botulinum t oxin in spasticity in the forearm seen after incomplete spinal cord in jury. Design: A single case study with standardized assessment before and al three-week intervals after injection. Intervention: EMG-guided selective injection of botulinum toxin. Subject: A 23-year-old man, 18 months post injury. Measures: Rivermead Motor Assessment; grip streng th; Jebsen hand tests; visual analogue scale; Ashworth spasticity scal e. Results: Weakness was seen as expected with some functional losses, but the patient made gains in the areas of concern: shaking hands, ty ping, using the hand to drink. These gains were sustained at 12 weeks. Conclusion: Selective use of botulinum toxin to weaken muscles can le ad to functional benefit.