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AAN Guideline Evaluates Treatments for Children With Cerebral Palsy ST. PAUL, Minn -- January 26, 2010 -- 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 in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, but the treatment poses some risk. The guideline is published in the January 26, 2010 print issue of the journal Neurology. “Spasticity in children with cerebral palsy is best treated by a multidisciplinary medical and surgical team,” said lead guideline author Mauricio R. Delgado, MD, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. “It is important that doctors, patients and caregivers together set a goal for measuring the success of medication use or any other spasticity treatment.” Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of spasticity, and spasticity affects the majority of children with cerebral palsy. While cerebral palsy cannot be cured, treatment often improves a child’s capabilities. After reviewing all available research on medication treatments for spasticity in cerebral palsy, the guideline found botulinum toxin type A is effective and generally safe, but there is some risk. “In reviewing this drug for treatment of spasticity in children, the US Food and Drug Administration is investigating isolated cases of generalised weakness following use of botulinum toxin type A for spasticity,” said Dr. Delgado. The guideline also recommends the drug diazepam be considered for short-term treatment of spasticity, although generalised side effects may occur. The drug tizanidine may also be considered, but there is risk of liver toxicity. For several other treatments, the authors determined that there was insufficient evidence to make a recommendation and encouraged additional research in this area. “There is an urgent need for more research to establish the effectiveness of the current treatments for generalised spasticity and to find additional, safer and more effective medications,” said Dr. Delgado. SOURCE: American Academy of Neurology E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version