Pathophysiological aspects of the use of botulinum toxin dysport in the upper motor neuron lesion
Abstract The most frequent causes of disability of patients with neurological diseases are motor disorders in the upper motor neuron lesion caused by the damage of the brain and/or the spinal cord that resulted in the formation of spastic paresis and paralysis. The correct understanding of the pathophysiological basis of clinical presentations of the upper motor neuron lesion will allow to chose the most adequate and prognostically successful methods of treatment. Currently, treatment with botulotoxin can be considered as such a method. This method in the combination with non-pharmacological rehabilitation decreases the activity of phasic and tonic stretching reflexes, associated contractions, synkinesia, spastic dystonia and spasticity that leads to the increase in muscle elasticity, mobility of extremities, reduction of pain, joint stiffness and soft tissue deformation that, in its turn, can increase the independence of the patient from any help.