[Myths and evidence on the use of botulinum toxin: spasticity in adults and in children with cerebral palsy].

[INTRODUCTION] Spasticity is a medical problem with a high incidence that significantly impact on the quality of life of patients and their families.

[AIM] To analyze and to answer different questions about the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in our clinical practice.

[DEVELOPMENT] A group of experts in neurology develop a list of topics related with the use of BTA. Two big groups were considered: spasticity in adults and in children with cerebral palsy. A literature search at PubMed for English, French, and Spanish language articles published up to June 2016 was performed. The manuscript was structured as a questionnaire that includes those questions that, according to the panel opinion, could generate more controversy or doubt. The initial draft was reviewed by the expert panel members to allow for modifications, and after subsequent revisions for achieving the highest degree of consensus, the final text was then validated. Different questions about diverse aspects of spasticity in adults, such as methods for evaluating spasticity, infiltration techniques, doses, number of infiltration points, etc. Regarding spasticity in children with cerebral palsy, the document included questions about minimum age of infiltration, methods of analgesia, etc.

[CONCLUSIONS] This review is a tool for continuous training for neurologist and rehabilitation specialist and residents of both specialties, about different specific areas of the management of BTA.