StrokeSurvivorBlog

Spasticity in Steve’s big toe on his left foot was caused by the stroke, and has resulted in much pain. But, surprisingly, the spasticity has been greatly reduced by the non-invasive ECP/ EECP treatments he is undergoing (see Video).

The toe was so spastic and painful that he wanted to cut his leg off. Then a few months ago his doctor told him how Botox injections could reduce spasticity in stroke patients. Steve received one injection three months ago, and it did help reduce the pain, but he said his leg felt like a slab of meat he was dragging around. His neurologist thought perhaps too much Botox was used.

A second injection was scheduled for last week, but Steve didn’t want another one. He could tell that the Botox was wearing off after about 7 weeks because the spasticity returned and was becoming more frequent. But since he started ECP / EECP (enhanced external counter pulsation), he noticed a considerable reduction in the spasticity in his “hitchhiker’s toe”, and in the last two weeks the pain has subsided. The cramping in his leg and foot are minimal. We can only attribute that to the ECP / EECP   treatments he’s been getting for the last three weeks.

The ECP/ EECP treatments increase the blood flow throughout his body and is designed to alleviate angina and congestive heart failure. However, there is no data that indicates the treatments would help spasticity. In fact, there have been no clinical trials using ECP to improve walking ability in stroke survivors that I’m aware of. Since Steve started the treatments, his legs feel better and he can walk pain-free, except for the occasional pain he has in his ankle that was broken prior to the stroke.

We are so encouraged by this surprise side benefit of the ECP / EECP treatments. He has 18 more sessions left, so we are optimistic that we’ll see even greater improvements in other areas of his body.