Guidelines currently under review

Local intramuascular injection of botulinum toxin (BT) is an established treatment for spasticity, with strong evidence for its efficacy. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide clinicians with the knowledge and tools to use BT effectively. The keys to successful intervention are appropriate patient selection, establishment of clear goals for treatment and appropriate follow-up therapy.

These guidelines provide clear recommendations on:

• coordinated spasticity management
• patient selection
• prescribing, supply and administration of BT by non-medical practitioners
• follow-up and outcome evaluation

Tools to aid clinicians include a comprehensive and detailed list of injection sites together with appropriate dosages at each site, and several methods of assessing spasticity and outcome of treatment.

If used according to the guidance, BT can improve the lives of those suffering from spasticity and of those caring for them, as well as reducing the overall costs of ongoing care. The guidance is essential reading for all clinicians dealing with stroke patients, people with multiple sclerosis and patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

The guidelines can be purchased or downloaded as a pdf.