Volume 15 Issue 06, June 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass
570
BOTULINUM TOXIN THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF SPASTIC TYPE OF
CEREBRAL PALSY IN CHILDREN: SIDE EFFECTS AND THEIR PREVENTION
Author:
Ermatov Farhod Akhmedovich
Central Asian Medical University
Assistant of the Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery
Independent Doctoral Researcher
Abstract:
Spastic type of cerebral palsy (CP) in children results from congenital or early
childhood injury to the central nervous system. Spasticity is the leading clinical symptom in this
condition. Currently, botulinum toxin (BTX) is widely used in the treatment of spastic CP. This
article analyzes the clinical efficacy of botulinum toxin therapy, possible side effects, and
methods for their prevention.
Keywords:
cerebral palsy in children, spasticity, botulinum toxin, botulinum therapy, side
effects, prevention.
Introduction:
Spastic cerebral palsy is one of the most common motor disorders in children. Spasticity is
characterized by increased muscle tone, heightened reflexes, and impaired motor coordination.
In recent years, BTX has found wide application in various medical fields, including pediatric
neurology. Type A BTX is considered the most effective and is administered through localized
muscle injections.
Advantages of Botulinum Toxin Therapy:
BTX selectively targets spastic muscles, causing them to relax. This improves mobility, reduces
pain, and helps prevent orthopedic complications in affected children. One of the main
advantages of BTX is that it offers a non-surgical, relatively safe, and repeatable method of
treatment.
Side Effects:
The following side effects may occur after BTX injections:
- Local pain, swelling, redness
- Elevated div temperature
- Pronounced muscle weakness
- Diffuse effects on unintended muscle groups (e.g., difficulty swallowing)
- Allergic reactions
Volume 15 Issue 06, June 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass
571
- Development of antibodies to BTX due to immune response
- Rare systemic effects: general fatigue, drowsiness, diarrhea, or respiratory difficulties
Prevention of Side Effects:
Accurate diagnosis and patient selection:
BTX should only be used when spasticity is the primary problem. Identification of target
muscles using EMG or ultrasound is recommended.
Proper dosage determination:
Dosage should be based on the child’s weight, age, and affected muscle groups. Maximum
allowable doses must not be exceeded.
Local anesthesia:
To reduce pain during injection, local anesthesia or sedation may be used.
Monitoring and observation:
After treatment, patients should be monitored for 24–72 hours. Immediate medical intervention
is necessary if breathing or swallowing problems are observed.
Combined with a rehabilitation program:
BTX injections should be part of a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy, including
physiotherapy and other supportive therapies, to achieve optimal outcomes.
Conclusion:
Botulinum toxin therapy is an effective and safe method for treating spastic cerebral palsy in
children. However, like any treatment, it carries the risk of side effects. Minimizing these risks
requires an individualized approach, precise dosing, and continuous monitoring. In the future,
new BTX formulations are expected to reduce antidiv formation and improve treatment
efficacy.
References:
Heinen F, et al. "The updated European Consensus 2021 on Botulinum toxin for children with
cerebral palsy."
Fehlings D, Novak I, et al. "Botulinum toxin in the management of children with cerebral palsy:
an evidence-based review."
Delgado MR, et al. "Practice parameter: Pharmacologic treatment of spasticity in children and
adolescents with cerebral palsy."
Volume 15 Issue 06, June 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass
572
Graham HK, et al. "A systematic review of botulinum toxin for spasticity in children with
cerebral palsy."
Boyd RN, et al. "Cerebral palsy: clinical and research perspectives."
Tashkent – 2025
