Injections of botulinum toxin A into the salivary glands improve sialorrhoea in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Abstract

Sialorrhoea is a socially disabling problem in bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) was injected into the salivary glands in five patients with bulbar ALS and sialorrhoea. The effect of BoNT/A was measured by the number of paper handkerchiefs used each day and by salivary gland scintigraphy. BoNT/A ameliorated sialorrhoea and quality of life without major adverse effects. BoNT/A may be a relatively safe and effective treatment for sialorrhoea in selected patients.

• Authors: R Giess, M Naumann, E Werner, R Riemann, M Beck, I Puls, C Reiners, K V Toyka
• Journal: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry (J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry) Vol. 69 Issue 1 Pg. 121-3 (Jul 2000) ISSN: 0022-3050 [Print] England
• PMID: 10864618 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Topics

• Aged
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (drug therapy)
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Injections
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Parotid Gland (drug effects)
• Prospective Studies
• Sialorrhea (drug therapy)