Professor Susan Hillier Stroke Survivors Botox Treatment Interview

Stroke Foundation has welcomed listing of Botulinum toxin A (Botox) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for lower limb spasticity, saying it has the potential to benefit stroke survivors.

The listing comes as Stroke Foundation National Stroke Week begins (September 2 - 8). The PBS listing applies to adults who have had an acute neurological event, including a stroke, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.

Stroke Foundation Clinical Council Member Professor Susan Hillier said Botox can help people with stroke move more easily or with less pain and discomfort.

"When a stroke occurs, control signals from the brain to muscles can be damaged. As a result, the muscles may become too active, making them feel stiff and tight. This is called spasticity," Professor Hillier said.

"Around 30 percent of stroke survivors will experience some form of muscle spasticity and it can get worse, the less they move."

As part of a rehabilitation program, Botox can be injected into muscles that are too active. These injections are effective for approximately three months, and it is recommended usage should always be combined with physiotherapy or occupational therapy.

Botox for upper limb (arms, wrists, hands) spasticity is already on the PBS, but the latest development will provide help, where appropriate, to people with spasticity in leg muscles, including a stiff knee or pointed foot. These issues can make it difficult to walk and affect balance.

Professor Hillier added Botox was a targeted treatment, which provides a window of opportunity for stroke survivors to work with their therapists to strengthen muscles and improve movement and function.

"Botox is a tool that can certainly assist with rehabilitation goals. However, it's important to note, it is not a single magic pill. More research is needed into the impact of Botox on quality of life."

Botulinum toxin A (Botox) is a recommended treatment for the management of spasticity in the Stroke Foundation Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management.

Interview with Professor Susan Hillier, Stroke Foundation Clinical Council Member

Question: Can you tell us about the listing of Botulinum toxin A on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)?

Professor Susan Hillier: Stroke Foundation welcomes the listing of Botox for lower limb spasticity on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

The listing has the potential to benefit people who have trouble with a stiff knee or a pointed foot after an acute neurological event like a stroke, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.


Question: How does Botox have the potential to benefit stroke survivors?

Professor Susan Hillier: Botox can help to ease stiff and tight muscles when it is injected into them as part of a greater rehabilitation program including physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

The injections last for approximately three months, providing a window for patients to work with their therapists to strengthen muscles and improve movement, function and balance.


Question: What's the main message you hope to spread this Stroke Foundation National Stroke Week?

Professor Susan Hillier: It is important to remember if you believe someone may be having a stroke, call triple zero (000) immediately. The faster a stroke can be treated, the better the chance of a good neurological and physical outcome.

Learn and share the most common or F.A.S.T. signs of stroke:
Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can they lift both arms?
Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.


Interview by Brooke Hunter