Tarek S. Shafshak, Alaa Mohamed-Essa
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-0310

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of phenol neurolysis in relieving intermittent attacks of in¬voluntary painful muscle spasm in patients with upper motor neurone syndromes. Design: Case series. Patients: Nineteen patients with intermittent involuntary painful muscle spasm of one of the following muscles: extensor hallucis longus (n = 13), psoas major (n = 3), tensor fascia lata (n = 1) or vastus lateralis (n = 2). Methods: Phenol neurolysis was performed for the target muscles using a Teflon-coated stainless-steel injection needle (connected to a block stimulator). The change in frequency and severity of intermittent involuntary painful muscle spasm was assessed 1, 2, 8 and 24 weeks after neurolysis. Results: The frequency and severity of intermittent in¬voluntary painful muscle spasm decreased in all patients for 24 weeks following neurolysis. Analgesic drugs were not required for the intermittent involuntary painful muscle spasm and no serious side-effects were observed following neurolysis. Conclusion: Phenol neurolysis gave promising results in treating intermittent involuntary painful muscle spasm in patients with upper motor neurone syndromes.