[Essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm: characteristic of the patient, botulinum toxin A treatment and literature review].

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the characteristics of the essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm patients and the feasible treatment with botulinum toxin A.

METHODS:

Thirty-four essential blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm patients were evaluated according to gender, ocular complaint, time of disease, treatment outcome and complications.

RESULTS:

Age median was 63 years and the mean was 61 years, with no difference regarding sex; 66.66% of the patients had hemifacial spasm and 33.33%, essential blepharospasm. Many patients complained of dry eye associated with involuntary spasm. Botulinum toxin A showed a positive outcome in 91.30% of the treated patients and complications observed after treatment were eyelid ptosis (8.33%) and buccal angle deviation (8.33%).

CONCLUSION:

Essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm occurred in the elderly, of both sexes. Treatment with botulinum toxin A was useful, with very low complication rates.

• Authors: Silvana Artioli Schellini, Olívia Matai, Thais Zamudio Igami, Carlos Roberto Padovani, Carlos Pereira Padovani
• Journal: Arquivos brasileiros de oftalmologia (Arq Bras Oftalmol) 2006 Jan-Feb Vol. 69 Issue 1 Pg. 23-6 ISSN: 0004-2749 [Print] Brazil
• Vernacular Title: Blefarospasmo essencial e espasmo hemifacial: características dos pacientes, tratamento com toxina botulínica A e revisão da literatura.
• PMID: 16491229 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Neuromuscular Agents
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Blepharospasm (drug therapy)
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Hemifacial Spasm (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neuromuscular Agents (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome