Treatment options for
dystonia are not curative but symptomatic; the treatment of choice for
focal dystonias is repeated
botulinum toxin injections. Here, we present the case of a 46-year-old beautician with
focal dystonia in her left hand that affected her ability to work. Pharmacological treatment with
clonazepam and
gabapentin failed to resolve her symptoms and was discontinued due to side effects (
sleepiness,
gastrointestinal disorders).
Intramuscular injection of
botulinum toxin (
incobotulinumtoxinA,
Xeomin) into the extensor digitorum communis (35 U), flexor carpi radialis (35 U), and flexor digitorum superficialis (30 U) muscles resulted in complete resolution of symptoms at clinical assessments at 1, 3, 6, and 10 months after the
injections, confirmed by the results of surface electromyography 10 months
after treatment. The patient was able to work again 1 month
after treatment. No reinjection has been necessary at the last evaluation (12 months
after treatment). In conclusion,
botulinum toxin is an effective treatment for
focal dystonia that can have long-lasting effects and can improve patients' ability to work and quality of life.