Objective

Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin can be painful for some patients. This may be due either to a broken skin, stimulation for locating, or injecting the product.

The objective of this study was to see the clinical impact of pain on injection.

Material/Patients and methods

Retrospective study of 15 patients (6 M/9 W), average age was 31 years (11–75 years).

The patients had spasticity of MS in 40% and a MI spasticity in 60%.

The treatment was basic Dysport.

The pain assessment was made after each of the four stages of each injection (broken skin, electrical stimulation tracking, product and the injection needle WITHDRAWAL). Assessment was based on scale 0a visual analog side of 10. The sensory disorders of the patients were assessed clinically.

Results

The mean number of muscles injected per patient was 3.4 and the mean number of injections per muscle was 1. Two patients had discomfort during injection.

L’EVA pain averaged 4/10, and higher in children.

The stimulation was the most painful time, followed by broken skin. The pain at the injection of the product and the removal of the needle was not reported.

Discussion/Conclusion

Few studies have focused on the study of pain during injection of TB. The product intramuscular penetration and withdrawal of the needle can be painful. The stimulation is the most painful time, followed by broken skin.

These data argue for analgesia associated with adaptation and learning of the therapeutic procedure to reduce the painful nature.