Botulinum Toxin Applications in OMU, Department of Neurology: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Clostridium botulinum toxin type A blocks the cholinergic conduction at the neuromuscular conjunction by blocking acetylcholine secretion at the presynaptic region and thus produces muscle paralysis. Such effects of the toxin are in use to treat some diseases. The most frequent neurological indications are hemifacial spasm, essential blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, task-specific dystonia and post-stroke spasticity in adults. In this retrospective study, 46 patients who were tracked for botulinum toxin injections in our department between years 2003 and 2006 are reported. Their diagnoses, schemes of therapy, responses to botulinum toxin treatment, side effects, follow-up during injection therapies and subjective evaluations of therapy by patients are presented and discussed pertaining the relative literature.