SIBLINGS WITH HEREDITARY SPASTIC PARAPLEGIA: EFFECTIVENESS OF BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTIONS AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Abstract

There is a little evidence in the literature regarding the effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin type A injections as an adjuvant therapy to customised rehabilitation programs in pediatric patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia. This is a report on two siblings aged 4 and 6, who underwent 3 sessions of botulinum toxin A injections to the hip adductors and ankle plantar flexor muscles. Additionaly, patients were given a home exercise program consisted of stretching the agonist muscles and strengthening of the antagonist muscles. Dynamic ankle foot orthoses were also prescribed and used regularly. Both patients showed remarkable improvements in muscle tone and gross motor function measurements. The effects of Botulinum toxin A injections lasted for a mean of 5- 6 months in both children.