Information & Referral: Pharmacological Treatment of Spasticity in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society finds botulinum toxin type A to be an effective treatment for spasticity, muscle tightness that interferes with movement, in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP), but poses some risk. The guideline is published in the January 26, 2010, issue of Neurology^®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Key findings include:

• BoNT-A works well for treating spasticity in CP, but there is conflicting evidence that it helps improve activity/participation or quality of life.
• When deciding to prescribe a medication, doctors should set a treatment goal for measuring success
• Some medications treat spasticity but not muscle function.
• In some cases, treating spasticity may interfere with muscle function.
• Doctors should weigh the benefits and risks of treating spasticity in CP.
• Spasticity is just one of many CP-related problems that people with CP face.
• People with CP vary greatly in circumstance, so whether and how to treat warrants careful thought.

The complete professional guidelines can be found here under "Featured Guidelines." There is also a summary version for families and patients.

Read a Q&A with the lead guideline author

More information about common treatments for cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities.

Disclaimer: UCP does not recommend or endorse any particular treatment method or medication.