Botulinum toxin injections for cervical dystonia.

Abstract

We followed 205 of 232 patients with medically intractable cervical dystonia for at least 3 months and up to 4 years, during which time they received 1,074 injections in 505 visits. One hundred forty-five of the 205 patients (71%) improved substantially (global rating greater than or equal to 2; from 0 = no response to 4 = marked improvement in severity and function) after 1 or more visits. Of the 89 patients who reported pain, 68 (76%) had almost complete relief of their pain. While most patients noted improvement within the 1st week after injection, some had a latency of up to 8.5 weeks. Duration of maximum benefit lasted up to 12.5 months in some, but the average was 11.2 weeks. Only 58 of 205 (28%) patients, seen in 76 of 505 visits (15% of all visits), had complications, primarily mild dysphagia (35 patients) or neck weakness (17 patients). We conclude that botulinum toxin is a safe and effective therapy for most patients with cervical dystonia.

• Authors: J Jankovic, K Schwartz
• Journal: Neurology (Neurology) Vol. 40 Issue 2 Pg. 277-80 (Feb 1990) ISSN: 0028-3878 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2300249 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Botulinum Toxins

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Botulinum Toxins (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Dystonia (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscles (physiopathology)
• Neck Muscles (physiopathology)