Treatment of spasmodic torticollis with local injections of botulinum toxin (original) (raw)

Summary

Thirty-seven patients with spasmodic torticollis (cervical dystonia) who received repeated local injections of botulinum toxin have been followed up for a mean period of 12.3 (10–29) months, during which time 138 treatment sessions were performed. Mean doses per muscle averaged 320 mouse units (mu; range 160–1000 mu botulinum toxin A prepared by CAMR, Porton Down, UK). Eighty-six per cent of patients experienced significant improvement of posture and 84% of those with pain had relief following the first injection. Muscular patterns of recurrent torticollis were relatively constant and in most patients efficacy was maintained with subsequent injections, while 15% of all follow-up sessions failed. Only 2 of 37 patients were consistent non-responders; 22% and 10% of all sessions were complicated by transient dysphagia and weakness of neck muscles, respectively. It is concluded that local botulinum toxin injections can be a safe and efficaceous long-term treatment of spasmodic torticollis and that optimal doses should be between 200 and 400 mu/muscle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universitäts-Klinik für Neurologie, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
    W. Poewe, L. Schelosky, B. Kleedorfer & M. Wagner
  2. Abteilung für Neurologie, Universitäts-Klinikum Rudolf Virchow, Spandauer Damm 130, W-1000, Berlin 19, Germany
    W. Poewe & L. Schelosky
  3. Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik der Universität, Hansastrasse 9, W-7800, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
    F. Heinen & G. Deuschl

Authors

  1. W. Poewe
  2. L. Schelosky
  3. B. Kleedorfer
  4. F. Heinen
  5. M. Wagner
  6. G. Deuschl

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Poewe, W., Schelosky, L., Kleedorfer, B. et al. Treatment of spasmodic torticollis with local injections of botulinum toxin.J Neurol 239, 21–25 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00839206

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