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. 2024 Jan;131(1):43-51.
doi: 10.1007/s00702-023-02707-5. Epub 2023 Oct 13.

Botulinum toxin and conservative treatment strategies in people with cervical dystonia: an online survey

Melani J Boyce  1   2 , A B McCambridge  3 , L V Bradnam  4 , C G Canning  5 , C Quel De Oliveira  6 , A P Verhagen  6
Affiliations

Botulinum toxin and conservative treatment strategies in people with cervical dystonia: an online survey

Melani J Boyce et al. J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Isolated cervical dystonia is a focal, idiopathic dystonia affecting the neck muscles. Treatment usually consists of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections into the dystonic muscles. Our aim is to investigate the use of BoNT treatment and conservative treatments by people living with cervical dystonia. An online survey in English was conducted between June and August 2022. Participants were eligible to participate if they were living with cervical dystonia, were over 18 years old and could read and understand English. The survey consisted of demographic questions, characteristics of dystonia, questions relating to BoNT use and the perceived utility of conservative treatments. The data were analysed descriptively, and open-ended questions were grouped into similar topics represented by direct quotes. We received 128 responses from people with cervical dystonia, with an average age of 59 years and 77% women. Most participants (52%) described their cervical dystonia as mild to moderate with an average pain score of 5/10. Eighty-two (64%) participants were having regular BoNT injections, with overall positive perceived effects. Common activities reported to improve the symptoms were the use of heat packs, massage, relaxation, physiotherapy and participation in general exercise. Common coping strategies reported were getting sufficient rest, having the support of friends and family, and remaining engaged in enjoyable hobbies. We found that most participants received regular BoNT injections and that heat packs, exercise, massage, physiotherapy and relaxation were mostly perceived as effective in reducing the symptoms of cervical dystonia.

Keywords: Botulinum neurotoxin injections; Cervical dystonia; Physiotherapy; Survey.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Activities that help participants to cope with their iCD
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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