Posted on: Thursday, August 8, 2002

Stroke victims benefit from Botox, study says

By Jeff Donn
Associated Press

BOSTON — Botox, the wrinkle-smoothing botulism toxin that has become a big sensation in cosmetic medicine, also can help stroke victims regain use of their clenched and rigid hands.

The findings, published in today's New England Journal of Medicine, add to the evidence that the food-poisoning toxin — in diluted form — can relax muscles contracted by a broad range of conditions, from writer's cramp to cerebral palsy.

Until now, most studies were unable to show much of an effect on routine function of limbs in stroke patients. "This is the first study to show improved activities of daily living," said Dr. Allison Brashear, a neurologist at the University of Indiana who led the study.

About 4 million Americans have survived strokes, which cut off blood flow and injure the brain. Many patients' hands and fingers become clenched and rigid, often just on one side of their bodies, from overactive muscles. Botox blocks a key chemical to paralyze the overactive muscles.

Botox was approved in April to smooth wrinkles on the face.

The stroke researchers gave injections to 126 patients at 19 medical centers around the country. Some got Botox, the toxin made by Allergan of Irvine, Calif., which sponsored the experiment. Some patients were given sham injections.

At six weeks, 83 percent of the Botox group showed significant improvement in areas such as pain and their ability to dress themselves, wash their hands and hold their hands normally, compared with 53 percent in the other group. Sixty-two percent of the Botox group made significant improvement in the living skill each patient most wanted to improve.

The effects of each treatment typically lasted three to four months. No major side effects were reported..