Experience of long-term use of botulinum toxin type A-hemagglutinin complex in the rehabilitation of patients who have suffered ischemic stroke resulting in focal spasticity: interim results

Focal post-stroke spasticity significantly impairs the functioning and quality of life of patients. Therapy with botulinum toxin type A – hemagglutinin complex is an effective method of stabilizing the level of post-stroke spasticity, reduces the severity of restrictions on self-care and work activity of patients. Purpose of the study: to evaluate the effectiveness of long-term use of botulinum toxin therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with focal post- stroke spasticity.Materials and methods. The study included clinical data of 24 patients who had suffered a stroke and were receiving treatment within the third stage of rehabilitation. Two groups of patients were identified: the main group (n=12) received treatment with the botulinum toxin type A hemagglutinin complex (the drug «Dysport®») for 12 years (a total of 30–45 courses of injection treatment per patient over 12 years of observation) and symptomatic treatment of focal spasticity, physical rehabilitation courses (therapeutic exercise classes, medical massage, physiotherapy), and the control group (n=12) received physical rehabilitation courses. The research method was a one-time retrospective analysis of medical data, followed by an annual assessment of the degree of limitations in life activities, motor function impairment, dynamics of the level of focal spasticity, and severity of pain syndrome during 12 years of observation. Results. Over 12 years of observation of patients in both groups, there was a significant improvement in the quality of life, a decrease in motor disorders, and a decrease in pain in patients in the main group.Conclusions. Therapy of focal post-stroke spasticity with botulinum toxin type A – hemagglutinin complex (the drug «Dysport»®) is effective as a therapy for reducing pain syndrome, improving the quality of life and self-care of patients in the long term.