Effective Use of Chemodenervation and Chemical Neurolysis in the Management of Poststroke Spasticity

Abstract

Chemodenervation with botulinum toxin (BTX) and chemical neurolysis with phenol can be used alone or in combination to effectively manage focal spasticity after a stroke. As with other treatments, these interventions must be done the right way, at the right time, in the right patient, and for the right reason. The proper use of these treatments requires careful patient assessment and realistic goals, knowledge of the peripheral functional anatomy, and an understanding of how these treatments work and how to best to administer them. This article reviews how BTX and phenol can be used in the management of poststroke spasticity.

Keywords:

• botulinum toxin
• chemodenervation
• phenol
• poststroke spasticity