AAPM&R consensus guidance on spasticity assessment and management.

BACKGROUND: The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) conducted a comprehensive review in 2021 to identify opportunities for enhancing the care of adult and pediatric patients with spasticity. A technical expert panel (TEP) was convened to develop consensus-based practice recommendations aimed at addressing gaps in spasticity care. OBJECTIVE: To develop consensus-based practice recommendations to identify and address gaps in spasticity care. METHODS: The Spasticity TEP engaged in a 16-month virtual meeting process, focusing on formulating search terms, refining research questions, and conducting a structured evidence review. Evidence quality was assessed by the AAPM&R Evidence, Quality and Performance Committee (EQPC), and a modified Delphi process was employed to achieve consensus on recommendation statements and evidence grading. The Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) guided the rating of individual studies and the strength of recommendations. RESULTS: The TEP approved five recommendations for spasticity management and five best practices for assessment and management, with one recommendation unable to be graded due to evidence limitations. Best practices were defined as widely accepted components of care, while recommendations required structured evidence reviews and grading. The consensus guidance statement represents current best practices and evidence-based treatment options, intended for use by PM&R physicians caring for patients with spasticity. CONCLUSION: This consensus guidance provides clinicians with practical recommendations for spasticity assessment and management based on the best available evidence and expert opinion. Clinical judgment should be exercised, and recommendations tailored to individual patient needs, preferences, and risk profiles. The accompanying table summarizes the best practice recommendations for spasticity assessment and management, reflecting principles with little controversy in care delivery.

OnabotulinumtoxinA for Lower Limb Spasticity: Guidance From a Delphi Panel Approach.

BACKGROUND: OnabotulinumtoxinA is approved for the treatment of upper and lower limb spasticity in adults. Guidance on common postures and onabotulinumtoxinA injection paradigms for upper limb spasticity has been developed via a Delphi Panel; however, similar guidance for lower limb spasticity has not been established. OBJECTIVE: To define a clinically recommended treatment paradigm for the use of onabotulinumtoxinA for each common posture among patients with poststroke lower limb spasticity (PSLLS) and to identify the most common PSLLS aggregate postures. DESIGN: Clinical experts provided insight regarding onabotulinumtoxinA treatment for PSLLS using an adaptation of the Delphi consensus process. SETTING: Delphi panel. PARTICIPANTS: Ten expert clinicians in neurology and physical medicine and rehabilitation who treat PSLLS. METHODS: A minimum of 2 rounds of anonymous voting occurred for each recommendation until consensus was reached (≥66% agreement). The first round was conducted via a survey; the second round was an in-person meeting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Reached consensus on muscle selection for injection, overall and per-muscle dose of onabotulinumtoxinA, number of injection sites/muscle, onabotulinumtoxinA dilution, and use of localization techniques. The most common PSLLS postures were reviewed. Recommendations were tailored toward injectors with less experience. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on targeted subsets of muscles for each posture. Doses ranged from 20 to 150 U for individual muscles and 50 to 300 U for limb postures. OnabotulinumtoxinA dilution 50 U/mL (2:1 ratio) was considered most appropriate but varied based on muscles selected (range, 2:1-4:1). Experts agreed that localization techniques for muscle identification during injection for all postures would be useful. For suboptimal response to injection, all panel members would increase the dose, and the majority (89%) would increase the number of treated muscles. The panel identified 3 common aggregating lower limb postures: (1) equinovarus foot and flexed toes; (2) extended knee and plantar flexed foot/ankle; and (3) plantar flexed foot/ankle and flexed toes. The recommended starting doses for each aggregate posture were 400 U, 400 U, and 300 U, respectively. CONCLUSION: The modified Delphi panel process provided consensus on common muscles and corresponding onabotulinumtoxinA treatment paradigms for postures associated with PSLLS that can be used for guidance in optimizing care delivery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

OnabotulinumtoxinA Injection for Poststroke Upper-Limb Spasticity: Guidance for Early Injectors From a Delphi Panel Process.

BACKGROUND: OnabotulinumtoxinA reduces muscle hypertonia associated with poststroke spasticity (PSS). PSS manifests as several common postures. OBJECTIVE: To define treatment paradigms for PSS upper-limb common postures. DESIGN: Modified Delphi method. SETTING: Expert panel. PARTICIPANTS: Ten injectors experienced in the treatment and clinical research of PSS (physiatrists and neurologists) were invited to participate in the Delphi panel. METHODS: The Delphi panel reviewed an electronic worksheet with PSS upper-limb postures to define onabotulinumtoxinA treatment paradigms (Round 1). During Round 2, panel members discussed in person Round 1 results and voted until consensus (≥66% agreement). Recommendations were geared toward those with new or early injection experience. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Expert consensus on onabotulinumtoxinA treatment parameters for PSS including muscles to inject, dose per muscle and posture, and treatment adjustments for suboptimal response. RESULTS: For each posture, consensus was reached on targeted subsets of muscles. Doses ranged for individual muscles (10-100 U) and total doses per posture (50-200 U). An onabotulinumtoxinA dilution 50 U/mL (2:1 dilution ratio) was considered most appropriate; dilution ratios of 1:1 to 4:1 may be appropriate in some circumstances. The majority (89%) of panel members would increase the dose and/or the number of muscles treated for a suboptimal response to onabotulinumtoxinA. The panel identified 3 common aggregate upper-limb postures: (1) adducted shoulder + flexed elbow + pronated forearm + flexed wrist + clenched fist; (2) flexed elbow + pronated forearm + flexed wrist + clenched fist; and (3) flexed wrist + clenched fist. The recommended starting dose per aggregate was 300 U, 300 U, and 200 U, with a total maximum dose of 400 U, 400 U, and 300 U, respectively. Localization guidance techniques were considered essential for all postures. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus on common muscles and onabotulinumtoxinA treatment paradigms for postures associated with upper-limb PSS was achieved via a modified Delphi method. The purpose of this analysis is to educate early onabotulinumtoxinA injectors rather than provide an evidence-based review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Chemodenervation and nerve blocks in the diagnosis and management of spasticity and muscle overactivity.

This article will discuss many of the key concepts regarding chemodenervation and neurolysis in the management of spasticity. Topics that will be discussed include techniques for localization, strengths and limitations of various agents (botulinum toxin, phenol, and alcohol), the value of combination therapies, and the role of nerve blocks (diagnostic and therapeutic). With advancing technology have come newer methods to improve accuracy of localization for the performance of chemodenervation and neurolysis such as electromyographic guidance, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound guidance. During the last 2 decades, the addition of botulinum toxin chemodenervation as an adjunct to traditional neurolysis, medication, and therapy modalities has expanded the field of treatment of intramuscular hyperactivity in upper motor neuron syndrome. The technique of diagnostic blocks as predictors of response and the therapeutic value of nerve blocks will be discussed.