CERVICAL DYSTONIA: treatment with botulinum toxins.

A research article published in January 2006 about treatment of cervical dystonia acknowledged the extensive use of botulinum toxin (BoNT) for this condition.

Findings of the study confirmed significant improvement in head posture and pain among patients, following treatment. Dysphagia, dry mouth and neck weakness, emerged as common side effects experienced by patients.

Although BoNT dosing and brand names differ, there are five brands and two serotypes available. It is noted, at the time of this research, investigation focusing on issues of immunogenic potential and occurrence of secondary unresponsiveness continues.

The research also notes issues surrounding the technique of injection have not yet been sufficiently studied. However, general guidelines are available for administering this treatment.


References:

Comella, C.L. & Thompson, P.D. (2006). Treatment of cervical dystonia with botulinum toxins. European Journal of Neurology, Vol 13. Issue s1, p16. (February).

(This article was initially published online by Blackwell Synergy January 11, 2006)

C.L. Comella: Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Centre, 1725 West Harrison, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.

P.D. Thompson: Department of Neurology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia.

Although a brief summary, I hope this article has been of interest to you. I will present a variety of articles on results of research during the coming week. If you would like to leave a comment or a request for a specific topic of focus, please do. Where ever you are, I hope your day is a happy one. Here in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia, we are enjoying a beautiful cool evening with refreshing monsoonal rains, not the heavy destructive kind. My little friend, frog, is croaking happily. Trouble is, it seems all his little cousins have joined him!

Sue Bayliss.