Cryoneurolysis: A Novel Treatment for Management of Spasticity. Presentation of a Case Series

Abstract

Background: Spasticity is a motor phenomenon occurring in disorders of the central nervous system that impacts on active and passive function, and quality of life. Pharmacological, physical and surgical management options are available, each of which have limitations. Cryoneurolysis is a technique developed for the treatment of pain which involves the controlled freezing and thawing of peripheral nerves. Recent case reports and series have suggested it may offer a novel treatment approach for pain associated with spasticity.

Objectives: To report on the evaluation of cryoneurolysis in the first cohort of patients treated in a UK spasticity clinic.

Methods: Eight patients with a variety of neurological conditions (aged 25-75 years) underwent cryoneurolysis. Each had been receiving regular botulinum toxin injections and had ongoing treatment goals. All patients first underwent diagnostic nerve blocks with local anaesthetic to determine their appropriateness for the treatment. Cryoneurolysis was then performed with ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance. Assessments included goal attainment, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), ArmA, LegA and the patient reported impact of spasticity scale (PRISM), alongside patient satisfaction and side effect questionnaires. Assessments were at baseline and at regular intervals over 9 to 12 months.

Results: All patients attained at least one of their goals, with sustained effect for more than 6 months. MAS demonstrated mixed or modest improvements. Functional outcome measures (ArmA/LegA) showed several meaningful improvements, particularly in passive function. There was an indication of an improvement in PRISM across domains, which plateaued at 6 months. Post-procedure pain was the most common side effect but subsided in all affected patients by 3 months. Patient satisfaction was positive.

Conclusions: Our findings contribute to a growing base of case reports and series suggesting that cryoneurolysis could be a potentially useful treatment modality for spasticity. Future controlled studies should aim to evaluate cost-effectiveness and compare with existing treatments.

Keywords: case reports; cryoneurolysis; goal attainment; neurological conditions; pain; spasticity.

Figure 1.

Top Panel: LegA score over time for individual patients, A = passive care, B = active function, C = quality of life. Bottom Panel: ArmA score over time for individual patients. D = passive care, E = active function. Lower numbers indicate better function or quality of life.

Figure 2.

Median score across patients for each subcomponent of the PRISM. Lower values indicate less impact of spasticity.