Treatment with Botulinum Toxin for Refractory Fever Caused by Severe Spasticity: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND

Brain and spinal cord injuries may cause very severe spasticity that occasionally may be associated with persistent fever.

METHODS

We present 14 patients with spasticity and persistent fever, treated with botulinum toxin type A. Their spasticity improved and the fever resolved within a period no greater than 48 h. In all cases, infectious and other non-infectious causes were ruled out.

CONCLUSIONS

When sustained tonic muscular activity is associated with a significant increase in body temperature and is refractory to the usual drugs used for hyperpyrexia, type A botulinum toxin may be an effective treatment option to control both spasticity and fever.