Lokale Therapie mit Botulinum Toxin A bei fokalen Dystönien

Orbicular synkinesis after facial paralysis: treatment with botulinum toxin

Involuntary lid closure not rarely accompanies aberrant regeneration of nerve fibers after different types of facial paralysis. 23 patients with such synkinesis were treated with botulinum toxin injections into the orbicularis oculi muscle. After periocular injections all patients showed much improvement: a period of, on the average, 13 symptom-free weeks was followed by a period of minimal symptoms. There were only minor complications. Whenever repeated treatment is necessary, botulinum toxin proves to be an effective therapy for involuntary lid closure after defective healing following facial paralysis.

Local botulinum toxin in the treatment of spastic drop foot

Ten patients with spastic drop foot were treated by local injections of botulinum toxin A (botulinum toxin A haemagglutinin complex). The purpose was to improve stance and gait and/or to facilitate physiotherapy and patient care. Various calf muscles were injected using EMG guidance. The average dose used was 23 ng. Prior to and 4 weeks after treatment, positions of the upper and lower ankle joint at rest and the corresponding end positions of passive and active movement were determined. In addition, changes of spasticity and pain, the transmission phenomenon and stance and gait were evaluated. Most patients showed improvement of some aspects of the spastic drop foot. Positions of the upper and lower ankle joint were improved in most of the patients, as were the other parameters examined. Except for weakness of the injected muscles no side-effects were observed. The results appear promising and may be optimized in further trials by using higher doses of the toxin.