Abstract
Botulinum toxin has been successfully used to treat limb spasticity, but the optimal timing for initiating treatment remains unclear. Beneficial effects of early treatment have been suggested in previous studies. However, in Japan early treatment is difficult because of the drug’s cost. Here we report a case of severe limb spasticity that was treated in the subacute phase using botulinum toxin. The patient was a 50-year-old woman who had shoulder pain and equinus due to spasticity 3 months after stroke onset. Following botulinum toxin treatment of the pectoralis major and gastrocnemius muscles, her symptoms improved and she could walk with an orthosis and perform activities of daily living under supervision. In conclusion, botulinum toxin treatment can be considered when appropriate candidates have severe limb spasticity even in the subacute phase.
