Botulinum toxin for the treatment of spasticity in children: attainment of treatment goals

Forty patients (mean age 5 years) with a spastic disorder treated by botulinum injections (53 sessions) were evaluated for functional outcome in terms of achievement of their individual predetermined goals of treatment, rated on a modified Goal Attainment Scale from 1 (worsening function) to 4 (improved gross motor function). At the 2-week follow-up, 40% had a score of 1, 33% a score of 2, and 13% a score of 3; 12% showed no functional change. Botulinum treatments failed to significantly improve the gross motor function in this patient group. Treatment goals and expectations should clearly be established beforehand.