Neurology

Clinical Services

Dystonia Clinic

Botulinum Toxin Therapy

Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. When purified and delivered exactly where needed, it becomes a powerful therapeutic agent. There are seven known types of C. botulinum toxin, but only types A (Botox®) and B (Myobloc®) are used as medical treatments. Botulinum toxin therapy is used to treat dystonia. The goal of the therapy is to reduce muscle spasm and pain, and restore more useful function.

Botulinum toxin has proven to be useful in the treatment of many forms of dystonia. It has also been shown to be potentially useful in the treatment of other neurologic disorders, including some common conditions such as:

Neurons generate new nerve endings that reactivate the muscle contracture, so improvement is time limited, and treatment is usually repeated every 3 to 4 months. Physical or occupational therapy occasionally helps restore normal muscle function.

Side Effects

Botulinum toxin therapy is a safe and effective treatment when given in appropriate amounts by a qualified neurologist. Some patients experience temporary weakness in the group of muscles being treated, or those nearby. For example, ptosis (drooping eyelid) can develop after treating blepharospasm. Flu-like symptoms develop in some patients, but rarely. Patients with certain other neuromuscular diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or myasthenia gravis, may not be appropriate candidates for botulinum toxin therapy. Infrequently, some patients develop antibodies to the medication over time, rendering the treatment ineffective.

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