%0 Journal Article
%T Role of Diagnostic Nerve Blocks in the Goal-Oriented Treatment of Spasticity with Botulinum Toxin Type A: A Case-Control Study.
%A Filippetti M
%A Tamburin S
%A Di Censo R
%A Adamo M
%A Manera E
%A Ingrà J
%A Mantovani E
%A Facciorusso S
%A Battaglia M
%A Baricich A
%A Santamato A
%A Smania N
%A Picelli A
%J Toxins (Basel)
%V 16
%N 6
%D 2024 Jun 3
%M 38922151
%F 5.075
%R 10.3390/toxins16060258
%X 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.