Article

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose is to assess the effectiveness of Botulinum toxin (Btx)
on gait dysfunction due to ankle clonus in neurological patients. METHODS: We use
a retrospective case note review of 11 patients attending the Regional Acquired
Brain Injury Unit (RABIU), Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland. All
patients had received Btx for the treatment of ankle clonus. Demographic data
including diagnosis and time since neurological insult was collected. Information
regarding walking speed and assistance required to walk before and after Btx
treatment was analysed. RESULTS: In 10 of 11 patients, walking speed was
significantly improved at 4-6 weeks post Btx injections
(P = 0.006) and at 14-16
weeks post Btx injections (P = 0.005). Eight patients reduced their level of
dependency on assistance. Subjective improvements in levels of pain, gait pattern
and 'toe clawing' were also reported. CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings suggest that
Botulinum toxin has a role in treating ankle clonus in neurological patients,
where it interferes in gait. Walking speed and level of dependence on others
improved in this group.

Langue : ANGLAIS