Objectives: To assess the effect of botulinum toxin on dynamic spasticity and dystonic posturing in children with cerebral palsy.
Design: Assessment and documentation of the motor disability of children with cerebral palsy followed by injection of botulinum toxin into selected muscle groups. Reassessment of motor function after injection.
Subjects: Fifteen children with cerebral palsy: 5 with dynamic spasticity, 5 with dystonia and 5 with a mixed picture.
Results: On a standard scoring system, 13 of the children showed improved function at reassessment.
Conclusion: Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin is effective in the treatment of selected children with spastic and dystonic forms of cerebral palsy. Improvement is not permanent, but the injection can be repeated.