Role of Diagnostic Nerve Blocks in the Goal-Oriented Treatment of Spasticity with Botulinum Toxin Type A: A Case–Control Study
Mirko Filippetti,
Stefano Tamburin,
Rita Di Censo,
Martina Adamo,
Elisa Manera,
Jessica Ingrà,
Elisa Mantovani,
Salvatore Facciorusso,
Marco Battaglia,
Alessio Baricich,
Andrea Santamato,
Nicola Smania,
Alessandro Picelli
Affiliations
Mirko Filippetti
Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
Stefano Tamburin
Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
Rita Di Censo
Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
Martina Adamo
Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
Elisa Manera
Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
Jessica Ingrà
Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
Elisa Mantovani
Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
Salvatore Facciorusso
Spasticity and Movement Disorders ‘ReSTaRt’ Unit, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Section, Policlinico Riuniti Hospital, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
Marco Battaglia
Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont “A. Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy
Alessio Baricich
Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont “A. Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy
Andrea Santamato
Spasticity and Movement Disorders ‘ReSTaRt’ Unit, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Section, Policlinico Riuniti Hospital, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
Nicola Smania
Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
Alessandro Picelli
Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
The goal-setting process is pivotal in managing patients with disabling spasticity. This case–control study assessed the role of diagnostic nerve blocks in guiding the goal-setting process within goal-targeted treatment of spasticity with botulinum neurotoxin-A. In this case–control study, patients with disabling spasticity underwent either a goal-setting process based on the patient’s needs and clinical evaluation (control group) or additional diagnostic nerve block procedures (case group). All enrolled patients underwent a focal treatment with botulinum neurotoxin-A injection and a 1-month follow-up evaluation during which goal achievement was quantified using the goal attainment scaling-light score system. Data showed a higher goal achievement rate in the case group (70%) than in the control group (40%). In conclusion, diagnostic nerve blocks may help guide the goal-setting process within goal-targeted treatment of spasticity with botulinum neurotoxin-A towards more realistic and achievable goals, thereby improving the outcomes of botulinum neurotoxin-A injection. Future studies should better explore the role of diagnostic nerve blocks to further personalize botulinum neurotoxin-A according to individual patients’ preferences and requirements.
