Spasticity is a motor disorder characterised by a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone.¹ It is a disabling condition that, if left untreated, can lead to a host of serious locoregional complications and health-related quality of life issues.^2–4

There are three main disabling features of adult spasticity: muscle overactivity (reduced ability to relax), soft tissue contracture (muscle shortening and joint retraction) and paresis (reduced voluntary recruitment of skeletal motor units).⁵

Adult spasticity has a wide-ranging and variable impact on the lives of patients.³ A multidisciplinary approach is required to manage symptoms, improve function and posture, and reduce the burden on the patient and carer.^6,7 As each patient experience is different, it is important to formulate and agree personal treatment goals that are clear and achievable and reflect the patient and carer needs.^6,7

Figure adapted from Royal College of Physicians. National guidelines. 2018;⁶ Turner-Stokes L, et al. 2018.⁷

Local intramuscular injection of Dysport^® is an established and well-tolerated pharmacological treatment recommended for the management of focal spasticity.^6,8 It is used, in conjunction with physical therapy and other pharmacological treatments, to prevent contractures and achieve the patient’s individual treatment goals.⁶ The dose of Dysport^® can be titrated to the individual’s requirements.⁸ Clinical improvement may be expected 1 week after injection and may last up to or slightly beyond 12 weeks, depending on the individual patient.⁸

References:

1. Guo X, et al. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2022;19(1):138.
2. Kheder A, et al. Pract Neurol. 2012;12:289–298.
3. Barnes M, et al. Disabil Rehabil. 2017;39:1428–1434.
4. Bhimani R, et al. Rehabil Res Pract. 2014:2014:279175.
5. Gracies JM, et al. Muscle Nerve. 2005;31:535–551.
6. Royal College of Physicians. Spasticity in adults: management using botulinum toxin. National guidelines. 2018. Available at: Spasticity in adults: management using botulinum toxin | RCP London (Accessed: September 2025).
7. Turner-stokes L, et al. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2018;54(4):605–617.
8. Dysport^® Summary of Product Characteristics.

Abbreviations:

BoNT-A, botulinum toxin type A; FES, functional electrical stimulation.

For further information, please refer to the Prescribing Information or the Summary of Product Characteristics.