A new study shows that Botox may be able to improve muscle tone and reduce pain in the hands and arms in stroke patients.

According to researchers, up to 30 percent of stroke patients suffer from disabling muscle tightness called muscle spasticity.  Affecting the arms and hands, the condition makes it hard for stroke patients to perform basic functions like dressing, washing or feeding themselves. 

Study results show that repeated Botox injections after a stroke can prevent post-stroke spasticity from resulting in disabling complications by providing an effective, early intervention therapy. 

Best known for its temporary wrinkle smoothing results, Botox has been shown to be an effective medical treatment for a variety of conditions.  The Botox stroke study is the first to look at the long-term effects of the treatment.

Researchers treated 279 stroke patients with muscle spasticity in their arms and hands with up to five Botox injections delivered over the course of  a year.  Results showed that after six weeks of treatment muscle tone in the affected areas was improved, which remained throughout the study.

Functional disability was also measured in four areas at the start of the study – hygiene, dressing, limb posture and pain – on a four-point scale.  Results showed that at least 50 percent of stroke patients experienced a one-point improvement in their targeted area. 

Seven percent of participants did report side effects of the Botox treatment, including headache, pain in the arm or a flu-like illness.