[The clinical usefulness of botulinum toxin type A for spasmodic torticollis and facial spasm]

Abstract

We studied the clinical effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A for spasmodic torticollis and that for facial spasm by multicenter, non-blinded study. The freeze-dried crystalline botulinum toxin type A (AGN 191622; Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) was injected into the hyperactive muscles and the clinical course was followed for 22 weeks. Repeated injections were done, if necessary, with an interval of 4 weeks. The toxin was highly effective in both disorders. In spasmodic torticollis, clinical severity improved in 38 (63.3%) and the global improvement was seen in 39 (65.0%) out of 60 patients. Subjective improvement was seen in 56 (93.3%). In facial spasm, 52 (92.9%) out of 56 patients improved after the treatment. Unfavorable reactions, mainly consisting of neck muscle weakness and dysphagia in torticollis and facial weakness in facial spasm, were mostly due to the excessive action of the toxin. They were usually mild and transient. No patients discontinued the trial because of side effects. Botulinum toxin injection is a very useful and safe method for the symptomatic treatment of spasmodic torticollis and facial spasm.