Long-Term botulinum toxin treatment of focal hand dystonia

Author(s): Cole, R. A., Cohen, L. G., Grill, S., Lou, J. S., Hallett, M.

Journal/Book: Neurology. 1994; 44: Corporate Offices, 7500 Old Oak Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44130. Edgell Communications Inc. 70-76.

Abstract: We treated focal hand dystonia in 53 patients with botulinum toxin injections far up to 6 years. Eighty-one percent of the patients improved with at least one injection session. Sixty-five percent of the injections produced transient weakness. We followed 37 of the patients for at least 2 years from the start of treatment, 24 of whom discontinued treatment because of inadequate response, loss of response, inaccessibility of a treatment provider, or the expense of the toxin. Women, who had a greater extent and longer duration of benefit than men, were more likely to continue treatment. The mean interval between injection sessions was 6 months. In most patients, we injected the toxin into the same combination of muscles at each session. The dose of toxin generally fluctuated within a range of 20 units. Side effects were mild and transient and unrelated to the long-term use of botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin injection is safe and effective for the long-term management of focal hand dystonia.

Note: Article BI Karp, Nincds, Off Clin Director, Bldg 10, RM 5N-226, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA

Keyword(s): CERVICAL DYSTONIA; HEMIFACIAL SPASM; WRITERS CRAMP; INJECTIONS; MUSICIANS; DISORDERS; TREMOR

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